We had the good fortune of connecting with Debra Riley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Debra, what role has risk played in your life or career?
You never know what you are capable of unless you take the risk – trying new things, accepting new challenges, putting yourself “out there” even at the risk of failing is an important step to finding out how much you are capable of.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
After a career in the business world I returned to my love to create things. I grew up in a home with a mother that was an artist and I always loved to draw and paint. When I decided to start taking art lessons, I chose oil painting and embarked on a journey of taking regular weekly painting lessons along with painting workshops a couple of times each year. I just dove in! I signed up for and took a plein air painting workshop in Giverney, France, when I had no idea how to paint en plein air. I took a workshop from an internationally known artist that was geared to a very small group of experienced artists – I was not experienced at all but thankfully he worked with me and I returned the following year to repeat the experience. It is never easy to put yourself in a position where you may embarrass yourself, but it is a risk worth taking if you want to improve your skills. Had I waited until I was “ready” to take either of those workshops I would still be waiting. Instead I am at a point where I am receiving some recognition for my art.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If I had a friend visiting me for a week I would definitely take them to The Madeley Fine Art Gallery where I work as Gallery manager. I am proud of what we have accomplished there and love showing it off. While in the Downtown Conroe area we would have to check out some of the new restaurants like Paulette’s, Dragon Bowl, and the long standing Red Brick restaurant. I would then take them to the new Tartaglia Fine Art Gallery at FrameCraft in The Woodlands to see more outstanding art by local artists, followed by a trip to the Museum of Fine Art Houston. You can’t come to the houston area without visiting the MFAH and having lunch or dinner at their new restaurants.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would be no where as an artist without the friends that encouraged me to give join them in taking a local painting class. That was the push I needed to start and then I stumbled on the Conroe Art League and on of their instructors. Gary Hernandez was my oil painting teacher for many years and he patiently and skillfully guided me as I learned the process. The Conroe Art League not only had the teacher I needed, they had a community of artists that were encouraging and welcoming.

Website: Debrarileyart.com

Facebook: Debra Riley Fine Art

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