Created by Debs Wilson, a self-taught artist who has been drawing and painting since childhood, FizzyArt is a great way for first-time painters, amateurs or experienced painters to enjoy gentle conversation, tea and Prosecco. It provides a peaceful and creative environment where you can experiment with color, texture and imagery while having fun. , lunch and cake.
“Many people get very emotional when they see their work displayed at the end of a workshop. It's very fulfilling,” she says, adding that her love for animals and nature is reflected in her own work. Debs explains: “I have several people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) attend full-day and half-day sessions, and they say it is the best treatment they have experienced and return to the workshop again and again. I continue to draw pictures.''
An award-winning artist, Debs has exhibited her work in galleries from Lincoln to Ripon and in art shops and galleries in Ilkley, Skipton and Settle. With a true passion for experimenting with color and light, Debs has developed a unique style of 'distorted realism' that gives her an atmospheric contemporary look.
“For 30 years, I painted many paintings on commission, and my work was sold in galleries and shops and collected nationally and internationally,” says Debs. “A few years ago, I decided I didn’t want to paint commercially anymore, and during the pandemic, I realized that painting on demand was hurting my creativity. I stopped painting completely and deleted my website. Then a few years ago I started painting just for myself out of a deep love for art, but I started doing it again without any pressure. I found myself getting excited about the painting.”
In March of this year, Debs felt the need to share her passion for painting and the mindfulness it creates with others. “I was often asked to teach, but I didn’t have the confidence,” she says.
“I came up with the idea of painting in a fun way where there was no pressure for anyone to participate and no pressure for me to teach. We combined soda with painting and introduced either a full-day workshop with lunch or a half-day with cake.
“Held in my home studio in Silsden, where I look out over the garden and sometimes even go into it for inspiration, it provides a very relaxed, informal, small group environment and provides a very relaxed and informal small group environment where I can advise We can provide tips and tricks so that everyone can enjoy the creative process and feel comfortable enough to create their own very personal art.”
Debs has hosted 12 FizzyArt painting workshops since launching in the spring, receiving positive feedback from participants and those returning for more technical sessions.
Melissa Watson, who received a voucher to attend a Fiji art workshop as a birthday present, said: Create new textures and painting styles.
“I was there with my mom, who had never painted before, and a small group of others, and it was a really calming and encouraging environment, and I was introduced to tools and paints that I had never used before. Both my mom and I couldn't believe what we had made in the end, and we both now have the artwork hanging in our home. ”
As Debs approaches the 12 month anniversary of her FizzyArts workshop, she is currently focusing on her first solo exhibition showcasing her latest work. “I have been painting on very large canvases here at home and since I started the workshop in March, I am loving getting creative again and creating pieces that I would like to see in my own home.” she says.
“I have rediscovered my passion for drawing as I have met so many new people who seem to like what I do and my work. I gained the confidence to present a solo exhibition.
“I started 2024 wanting to share my love of art and encourage others to find their inner creativity. Now it has come full circle and I am excited to share my love of art and encourage others to find their inner creativity. They gave me the confidence to start painting again and have a solo exhibition.”
Debs added: “Art truly is the gift that keeps on giving and in 2025 when Bradford area becomes UK City of Culture, we hope that more people will join us, pick up a paintbrush and see what they can achieve. I hope it will give them an opportunity to see it, not just for their own sake, but for their own well-being.”
*For more information about FizzyArts workshops, vouchers and to book your next workshop on 1st and 5th March 2025, follow Debs at debswilsonartist, Deb's Art on Facebook or deb2711@ Send email to googlemail.com.
