Artist Spotlight - Doreen Wulbrecht — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Biography

Graduating with a Bachelors of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Science I was not clear on how to make a living from my art. So, I went into business full time and created my art part time.
While attracted to various expressions of my love for art, over the years the choice of medium was usually made due to space or time limitations.

Ethereal Beauty, 2024. Acrylic on canvas, 137 x 137 cm.

An early retirement from the corporate world and a move to a larger home gave me the opportunity to explore Raku Sculptural Ceramics. I fell in love with the balance of technique and serendipity. I loved pushing the limits of the clay and the Raku process. It is a passionate technique!

Kelp, 2024. Acrylic on canvas. 162 x 76 cm

As life happens, I became a caregiver for my Mother. Pretty much all artist endeavors came to a halt. After she passed, and my sweet dog died I was full of sadness. I remembered what my Mother used to ask me if I was feeling down, “Are you doing any art?” I wasn’t.

Vortex, 2024. Acrylic on canvas, 96 x 122 cm.

A nephew sent me a link for a video demonstration of Fluid art.
I was hooked. I watched hours of YouTube videos to learn the steps. The most common technique shown was a “Dirty Pour”. Adding oil and water to acrylic paints, mixing them just right, a happy magic came about. I enjoyed it, taught it to family and friends but wanted to find a way to translate the technique to a larger more professional scale.

Flames Of The Setting Sun, 2021. Acrylic on canvas, 190 x 117 cm.

Using online research, I found award winning abstract artist Bette Ridgeway. I bought her video on the color blocking technique she calls “Layers of Light” Finally a large-scale technique that could take me to the next level. I wanted to learn more.

What Dreams Are Made Of, 2023. Acrylic on canvas, 142 x 142 cm.

Bette’s mentor was the Artist Paul Jenkins. I started researching him and the color blocking technique. There was not a lot of information out there to learn from.
The manipulation of the un-stretched canvas made some remarkable results but I had limited knowledge on how accomplish the technique.

Dancing Under A Sunlit Waterfall, 2020. Acrylic on canvas, 213 x 86 cm.

So I emailed Bette and ask her if she teaches any workshops. The answer was no.
She requested to see some of my current work and my Raku work so she could judge my level of ability. Once a year she will choose a student to teach the layering technique at her studio in Santa Fe NM. I was it for 2018!

Vortex 2, 2024. Acrylic on canvas, 147 x 165 cm.

She is an amazing artist, teacher and person. I came home and went to work. It is not an easy process so when I began I had my share of “never to be seen” canvases. Since then my technique and voice have become clearer and I have many pieces that make me very happy to share.
Some of these are in my portfolio and on my website. www.ArtByDoe.com

Star Seed, 2024. Acrylic on canvas, 162 x 137 cm.

I call my version of this technique, “Fluid Dimensions”
Since starting this type of art expression in April of 2018, I have won many awards for my work and I am in numerous galleries across the US.
My beautiful pieces have found loving homes in both residential and corporate environments.

Dark Waters, 2023. Acrylic on canvas, 262 x 145 cm.

Artist Statement

Art is my Zen meditation. It takes me to a place that stops time and opens my mind to a creative realm. I have learned to let go of expectations and enjoy the process of bringing art into the world, no matter what the medium for my expression.
I have used various methods in my love for art over the years.

Thing One, 2024. Acrylic on canvas, 147 x 96 cm.

The two most powerful mediums for me have been Raku Sculptural Ceramics and my new technique called “Fluid Dimensions”. Both methods are controlled and spontaneous at the same time. Both are a fine balance of technique and serendipity.
It is in the letting go that the work becomes what it is meant to be.

Piano Bliss, 2025. Acrylic on canvas, 112 x 168 cm.

Always wanting to grow and learn more, fluid art using acrylic paints on canvas became my new passion. In April of 2018 I was fortunate to find award winning artist, Bette Ridgeway who was mentored by Paul Jenkins. She taught me the layered color field techniques I needed to create with this process.

Isn't She Lovely, 2022. Acrylic on canvas, 162 x 101 cm.

My personalized version of this technique is to create a dimensional look to the painting with the unique placement of layers. I call it "Fluid Dimensions".
The results are powerful, bold and a beautiful play of colors and composition. It makes me happy. My goal is to share that joy with people who view and purchase my work.

www.ArtByDoe.com
Instagram: instagram.com/doedrm
Facebook: facebook.com/doreen.wulbrecht