Hello my artist family!
Oh, I just love how creativity finds us in the most unexpected places, and today’s spotlight is such a beautiful example of that. I’m so excited for you to meet Debbie Gentile, a passionate artist from Girard, Pennsylvania whose journey into painting started with a single class and turned into something truly joyful.
Debbie’s first experience with painting was a simple “Make it, Take it” 3-hour class back in 2004. At the time, she was working as an RN in the emergency department, and a connection to a friend’s uncle led her to that class. And just like that… she was hooked.
From there, she kept going, taking more classes, then moving into longer 6-week sessions where she created larger oil paintings. She explored both brushwork and palette knife techniques, building her skills step by step. By 2011, she was painting at home and learning through YouTube, continuing to grow on her own.
But like so many artists, she ran into a challenge. The space she painted in required a heater, and the combination of oil paints and mediums created fumes that made it difficult to keep going in that environment.
And then came one of those turning points we all recognize. In 2020, Debbie came across one of my videos talking about thick paint and palette knives, and discovered acrylics in a completely new way. She gave them a try and fell in love. Those moments are the best, aren’t they? When something just clicks and suddenly everything feels possible again.
When it comes to inspiration, Debbie finds it outdoors, walking trails with her dog, taking in the beauty of nature through every season. Sunrises, sunsets, trees, flowers… all of those quiet, ever-changing details fuel her creativity. And you can feel that connection to the natural world in the way she approaches her art.
For her artwork, Debbie chose to share a photo from an art show she participated in, featuring several of her paintings. Many of those pieces have since been sold or gifted, which says so much about the heart behind her work. There’s something really special about creating pieces that go on to live in other people’s homes and stories.
And I have to say, the way Debbie describes her painting process made me smile. She puts on country music, sings, dances around, and paints. That’s not just painting, that’s a whole experience. Honestly, I think we should all be adding a little more dancing into our studio time.
When Debbie talked about what she loves about DabblePaints™, she said:
“They are the perfect texture for palette knife painting. Thick and spread easily.”
And that’s exactly what makes palette knife painting so freeing, paint that moves with you instead of against you, letting you build texture and dimension without frustration.
What she enjoys most about painting is simply creating something, bringing an idea to life. That joy of making something from nothing is what keeps all of us coming back to the canvas again and again.
And her advice for anyone just starting out is such a good reminder:
“If you really enjoy painting, keep practicing. You don't need a degree in art to succeed. You need to work at it, learn from artists that you like. Don't get mad if a painting doesn't work out. Learn and grow from your failures.”
There is so much wisdom in that. No perfection required — just persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to grow.
Debbie, thank you for sharing your story, your joy, and your art with all of us. You are such a wonderful reminder that it’s never too late to start, to adapt, and to fall in love with the process all over again. Your journey is inspiring so many artists in this community.
Keep creating, keep shining, and keep bringing more beauty into the world.
XO,
Jen
