art-oberfest 2023

Debra Bucci is known for her vibrant and engaging floral and abstract paintings. 

Dynamic color palettes, moving compositions and translucency from layering oils all work together to enhance the depth and bring Debra’s art to life. She energizes the art with an intangible sensitivity to the human spirit, and each painting is a transformation. 

"An ideal painting should be more than just 'Hallmark' pretty," Debra says. "It should have an energy that comes from tension hidden in the brush strokes, in the details.  I want the viewer to sense a frailty. To connect with the fear but then feel the exhilaration of conquering it. The challenge of life should be acknowledged in the art but ultimately, the viewer is left feeling empowered.  A tangible example of this is found in the willow trees. If we are supported by family and friends, aka the roots, then we can bend and flow with life's obstacles, like the willows."

Debra’s style is rooted in realism and is woven with abstract elements. This approach opens the door for flexibility to magnify elements that establish movement and control focus ... to play in the space between real and abstract.

Debra has achieved success as a licensed fine artist and is an anchor artist at the Art in Bloom Gallery in Wilmington, NC. In 2019 Debra was selected for the "Artist of the Year" 33rd year Commemorative Cup by the StarNews. She is a published illustrator and has been featured in the November 2017 issue of  Wilmington Magazine and the October 2018 issue of Wrightsville Beach Magazine.

Debra's art has been selected for the American Craft Walk annual event poster for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021. In addition to Art in Bloom Gallery, she is the only fine artist represented by True Blue Butcher and Table. True Blue is a hugely popular restaurant near Wrightsville Beach. Her work has also been displayed at the Wilmington International Airport, The Cameron Art Museum and numerous downtown Wilmington restaurants, including Savorez and The District Kitchen & Cocktails. 

She studied painting at Drexel University under John Formicola and enjoyed a corporate career in Package Design. Debra has lived in Wilmington, NC for five years with her husband “Art” and dog “T-Bone.”