Debra Wick’s raindrop art on display in Redlands

REDLANDS, Calif. – Lifelike watercolors of rain drops are the latest series of artwork by artist Debra Wick. Her rainy-day paintings and early work will be on display at the Redlands Art Association from April 18 to May 15. Wick also brings painted hats, print on pillows, umbrella and canvas plus greeting cards.

The rain scenes began with a question Wick asked herself looking at a rainy day photo.

“I wonder if I could figure out how to paint that,” she said. Wick explains her method of putting masking fluid on paper then letting it dry. “Then you paint your blurry background, let that dry, take off the masking fluid and you paint the reflections on all of the water drops.” Her method came from trial and error; she came up with it herself.

*Lifelike watercolors of rain drops are the latest series of artwork by artist Debra Wick. (Courtesy Photo)*

Wick grew up in Big Bear and has lived most of her life in Redlands.

“In first grade I won an art contest, that was cool,” she said. She won it again in eighth grade, the contest was for kindergarten through 8^th grade. “I was always going to the hobby store and buying arts and crafts,” she added of her upbringing.

She raised her family and was a floral designer with Hockridge Florist. When she retired 12 years ago, she became a member of the Redlands Art Association and began water color classes there. First with Ed Sotello and later with Holly Warner. Her fellow beginner class mate was Ernesto Gomez, a recent featured artist as well.

Today she is also a member of Pomona Valley Art Association, Loma Linda Art Association and Yucaipa Valley Art Association. Her artwork is currently displayed at several venues, including Ontario Airport, Gallery SOHO in Claremont, Village Bread Bakery in Calimesa and the Yucaipa Performance Arts Center. It will also be at the 2026 National Orange Show Fair Art Exhibit and featured an art show in Loma Linda.

*Costal Sunset by Debra Wick. (Courtesy Photo)*

Throughout Wick’s life she has enjoyed working with her hands. “I love things that are atmospheric,” she said. In her artwork a tangibility of water and weather comes through. She also paints sunsets, architecture, birds and florals often inspired by photographs. She calls her art colorful and intriguing.

“I’ve come to the understanding that God has given art as a gift. My talents are a gift, and I can be selfish and hold on to them or I can share them with other people,” she said. She teaches her students to share their art too, one of her lessons has them paint a postcard that they mail to someone afterwards.

“You don’t know if it’s going to heal someone or lift them,” she said of the importance of sharing your artwork.

She heard an online talk by pastor Matt Tommey, who said, “God wants you to say yes.” A week later, Wick was asked to substitute for Warner, a role that soon became her own class. She began saying yes — a decision that led not only to teaching, but to other opportunities as well.

*Atmospheric watercolors by Debra Wick on display at the Redlands Art Association Gallery. (Courtesy Photo)*

“I want each of my students to find their own style. That’s how you learn what works for you and what doesn’t,” she said. “I want them to experiment and learn and grow.”

“I want them to not be afraid of water color, it’s going to do what it’s going to do and go with plan B,” she said. Embracing imperfection is one of her mottos. Teaching gives her a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment of helping people through a journey she’s already been through.

“I’ve seen her [work] from when she first started and she’s a different person, she’s grown so much,” said Linda Willason, coordinator at the Redlands Gallery. “I think [her work] is innovative. I love it.” She described Wick’s raindrop paintings as comforting.

On Saturday April 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. there’s a chance to meet artist Debra Wick at an open house event or you can find her at the upcoming Art in the Park in late May.

Her featured art show in downtown Redlands ends on May 15.