Women, wine, and abstracts are the favorite subjects of local artist Debi Starr.

The three subjects dominate her striking collection. Many of her paintings are brilliantly colored and all emanate deep expression and daring style.

The artist revealed her brighter, bolder pieces are her interpretation of pop art color and style. She told, “I like to put my own twist on things.” According to Starr, she is “continuing to creatively engage and cheer up the world.” Starr said she has created art her whole life. She first studied at Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Starr then attended the Art Institute of Chicago and Houston Baptist University. She holds a Bachelor degree in Fine Arts and an Art Education Teaching Certificate.

While teaching art in the Fort Bend school district, Starr employed her mural and faux painting skills when they became extremely popular art forms. She said commissions kept her very busy. Starr also taught art privately and has been teaching both kids and adults for more than 30 years. Many of those years, Starr shared that she worked out of her garage and never advertised; though, her classes remained full.

Currently, Starr runs her first store front, StarrStruck Gallery and Studio. “It’s a dream come true. It’s totally incredible to have a place to create and show and teach,” she said. Starr stated she aspires to operate a gallery that has a “more relaxed atmosphere and feels comfortable.” She added, “I want to provide an art gallery that feels approachable and interactive; encouraging people to enter and to ask questions.” Along those same ideals, Starr believes her teaching methods garner the same comfort level. She said, “I help master your way, not my way.” She described her way of teaching as more “fostering.” In fact, Starr informed she has taught some of her students since the age of 5 to the present.

- Kelley Dawson