Bio
Deborah Lightfield’s vibrant, eye-catching artwork is currently on display and for sale at Butterfield Garage Art Gallery and the PAStA (Professional Artists of St. Augustine) Gallery in St. Augustine, FL, as well as at The Art Studio in St. Augustine Beach. Her artwork is often selected and featured in juried Art Shows throughout North Florida. She received her BFA from James Madison University.
Before becoming a full time fine artist, she worked 20 years designing/creating jewelry and 20 years as an art teacher. Within this time, she has shown and sold artwork throughout the country. Her sense of adventure led her to work on Princess Cruises for 2 years. Her dynamic career and interests have taken her on travels around the world, contributing to her robust artistic repertoire.
Deborah paints primarily using acrylics, in conjunction with her elevated Ocean Wash technique, a fascinating method she implemented into her artistic practice many years ago. The ocean is her muse in much of what she creates. Her art styles vary, incorporating elements from Realism, Impressionism, Expressionism, Surrealism and Abstract.
This award-winning artist resides in Ponte Vedra, FL, and a fun anecdote is that she is related to James McNeil Whistler.
Awards and Recognitions
2015 - 2024 St. Augustine Art Association, All Juried and Invitational Art Shows, St. Augustine, FL
2017 - 2024 Juried Art Shows, Ponte Vedra Cultural Arts Center, Ponte Vedra, FL
2020, 2022, 2024 Solo Art Exhibits, Ponte Vedra Library, Ponte Vedra, FL
2022 - 2024 Most Juried Shows, The Art Center, Jacksonville, FL
2023 - 2024 Appointed by St. Augustine Art Association to be Co-Artist Facilitator of St. Johns Public Works Artwork Installation by St. Johns Middle and High School Students
2023 Most Creative Award- St. Augustine Art Association, Juried Tactile Show
2023 Featured Artist, St. Augustine Entertainer Magazine
2022 - 2023 Juried Art Shows, FemArt Gallery, Jacksonville, FL
2021 - 2022 Roots and Ocean Art Exhibition Juried Shows, Women Writing for Change, Jacksonville, FL
2022 Selected Artwork for Social Media and Promotion for Internal Journey of the Artist Juried Show – FemArt Gallery, Jacksonville, Fl
2022 Second Place Award – The Art Center, Jacksonville, FL
2022 Most Creative Award – St. Augustine Art Association, Florida Wild Juried Show
2021 Featured Artist – ArtBox Gallery, St. Augustine, FL, July 2021
2015 - 2016 Chair and Artist, Celebrate Life Art Exhibition, Ponte Vedra, FL
2010 Recognized as Teacher of the Year, Jones County High School, NC
2003 Selected Artist, Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Heights, IL
2001 Selected Artist, Renaissance Gala, Myrtle Beach, SC
2000 Featured Artist Alternatives Magazine, Myrtle Beach, SC
2000 Featured Artist, Television interview, Southern Styles, Myrtle Beach, SC
2000 Presented Solo Show, Prince George Gallery, Georgetown, SC
2000 Presented Solo Show, Litchfield Arts Academy, Litchfield, SC
2000 Invited Artist, Coastal Carolina University Gala Exhibit, Conway, SC
2000 Presented Solo Show, Martha Graham Troupe Gala, Coastal Carolina University
2000 Invited Artist, The Masters Show Art Works Gallery, Pawleys Island, SC
2000 Invited Artist, Winyah Arts Prevost Gallery, Charleston, SC
1999 Featured Two-Person Show, Tall Grass Gallery, Park Forest, IL
1999 Honored by Prairie State College Board of Trustees – The Deborah Forrest Lightfield Permanent Art Collection, Chicago Heights, IL
1998 Appointed by Major of Chicago Heights, IL – The Illinois Fine Arts Review Council for the Illinois Arts in Architecture State Program
1997 Named Curator, Dedication of New Christopher Art Gallery Show, Prairie State College, Chicago Heights, IL
Career
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Presently Artist Member of Butterfield Garage Art Gallery and PAStA Gallery (Professional Artists of St. Augustine), both of St Augustine
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Designed, created and sold fine and fashion jewelry, Los Angeles, CA 1972- 1992 Created "Statements!", a fashion jewelry companyfor boutiques and department stores nationally.
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Employed as Gemologist and Sales by Princess Cruises.
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Granted National Teacher Certification.
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National Teacher Certification and Teacher of the Year.
Education
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Bachelor of Fine Arts and Bachelor of Science, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA
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Gemologist Certification, Gemological Institute of America, Southern California
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Continued studies attending various master workshops
