Debra Cox Passaris

Debra Cox Passaris’ foremost tool in her paintings is a full range of tones, a rainbow. Those arcs of color have been important symbols and motifs throughout the British, Athens-based artist’s life, and they are present in all her canvases, no matter the style she employs. Certain paintings are executed in a hazy, glowing manner reminiscent of Fauvism, with details almost drowned out by bright tones. Elsewhere, Debra manipulates her oil paints very differently, creating surreal tableaux that portray mythical subjects and scenes in extremely sharp detail and depth.

Her use of shading and texture to convey movement is so subtly evocative–both in figurative epics and almost abstract landscapes–that even the most poised and grand images seem abuzz with activity and drama. She wields color masterfully, imbuing everything from quaint nature scenes to tales from Greek mythology with captivating vitality. No matter how imposing or fleeting, her paintings are immediately gripping and accessible. Debra Cox Passaris uses color to take her audience on a journey.