There is a particular kind of attentiveness in Debra Riley’s art—the kind that transforms an ordinary object into something quietly memorable. A glass of wine, a cluster of roses, a patterned scarf, or a bowl of fruit becomes more than a subject. In Riley’s hands, each carries its own atmosphere, history, and emotional weight.

Her paintings are united by a love of color and a strong sense of visual warmth. Rich reds, deep greens, luminous golds, soft blues, and earthy neutrals appear throughout her work, creating compositions that feel both grounded and expressive. Riley does not treat color simply as description. She uses it to establish mood—to make a still life feel intimate, a garden feel alive, and a familiar object feel newly discovered.

One of the most meaningful moments in her artistic journey was the privilege of painting in Monet’s Garden in Giverny, France, during closed hours. In the stillness of that private setting, surrounded by the same light and atmosphere that inspired Monet and his contemporaries she felt a profound connection to the Impressionists. Those intimate hours deepened her understanding of their vision and strengthened her own appreciation for the beauty that shapes artistic expression.

”I would like to paint the way a bird sings” - Monet