I grew up outside of Boston, and was happily influence by the Realism of Ives Gammel's Boston School tradition and the wonderful area museums, studying at DeCordova Museum School between HS and college. During that time I was able to travel to Europe as an art student.

I received my BFA in painting from University of New Hampshire. After college a pivotal experience was as an Artist in Residence at a large geriatric mental health facility, where drawing became my treasure. See: https://geiselmed.dartmouth.edu/koop/programs/healing/gallery/death_doorway/

Years later I met pastels through classes and workshops with Aline Ordman and Margaret Dyer.

For me pastel is the perfect dance between painting and drawing. And the “music” has captured me.

I take joy in teaching children and adults to see and discover the artist within, teaching in a variety of settings since 1995.

http://deborahjohnsonkidwell.blogspot.com