I don't set out to create art about a specific subject. I first lay a background on canvas or paper and let the image cull from the fantastical realm of imagination. These images are inspired from my daily life experiences both figuratively and literally.

 

My choice of medium is acrylic and watercolor though I don't like to limit myself. When in the zone, I will pick up other mediums if I feel it will give any depth to my creation. I apply paint with great fervor, often applying multiple layers of acrylics or thrashing the canvas around if painting with watercolor. My objective is to put a lot of movement into the foundation in order to build an image. When the image reveals itself, then I focus on pulling it into the forefront.

 

I gravitate toward figurative and floral work and as of late, I have been enjoying abstract painting. I enjoy the freedom of creating without boundaries because to me, it conveys raw, authentic emotion in each piece.

Debbee Lotito is an autodidact painter from Detroit, Michigan. Her creative practice focuses on contemporary abstract expressionism.

 

Lotito’s consistently stunning work is characterised by highly textured pieces accentuated by chaotic strokes of colors with organic figuration and translucent, bleeding waves of color. She says, “I enjoy exploring the relationship between various color harmonies and surface textures.”

 

Lotito uses a variety of analogue tools to produce her work, including acrylics, watercolor, ink, pastels, and pencil. Her favorite media are acrylics and watercolor because their fast-drying qualities allow her to work quickly and intuitively. Her works are whimsical, expressive and engage the viewer via a lucid reservoir of imagination.

 

She draws inspiration from a variety of artists, both established and emerging, “Salvador Dali, Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollock would be some artists that I draw inspiration from but just the same, I look to ‘unknown’ artists and find inspiration with their energy as well.”

 

She earned her degree in graphic design from Schoolcraft College, Livonia, Michigan. Her work is widely exhibited throughout the USA and published internationally.  Between 2010 and 2019 she hosted five solo exhibitions and participated in 45 group shows, with the majority occurring in Detroit, Michigan.  She continues to maintain an active studio and welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with new clients.