Debra Cook Shapiro
My oil paintings and collages explore the joyful chaos of human connections, often inspired by celebratory events and gatherings of our nearest and dearest. Using vibrant colors and playful brushstrokes, I capture moments in lush gardens, by pools, or on sun-drenched beaches, inviting viewers to embrace life’s spontaneity and beauty. My work also reflects the range of emotions during festive occasions and the quiet reflection that follows, as all good things come to an end.
I often feature groupings of three women, a nod to the mythological Three Graces, inspired by Botticelli, Raphael, and Rubens. This motif holds personal significance, as I am one of three sisters. I draw from historical painters like Boucher and Goya for their expressive storytelling and sensuality, and from modern artists like Hockney, Fischl, and Brown for their exploration of human relationships and vivid use of color.
My recent collages bring a sense of abstraction and certainty of design, which inform my paintings with fractured forms.
My grown children, family, and friends are central to my artistic process, providing inspiration for my vibrant, expressionistic style. Through my work, I aim to share the celebration and reflection that these relationships bring to my life.