Bravery is required at many points in an artist’s career.
For Debbie Mueller, bravery meant starting to paint later in life, balancing her passion for art with a demanding career as an OBGYN, and continually putting herself out there—whether in the studio, in the art community, or in the face of rejection.
Debbie’s journey into painting began unexpectedly during a rainy day visit to her parents’ home. With no prior art experience, she picked up a paintbrush on a whim, only to discover a new passion that felt as essential as breathing.
Since that moment, Debbie has immersed herself in her new artist-life, growing her skills, building connections, and developing a thriving artistic practice—all while working nearly full-time in medicine.
In this episode of The Art Biz, Debbie shares how she’s cultivated resilience and bravery as an artist, from finding her community to embracing opportunities that might initially feel intimidating. She also discusses how she’s navigated challenges like rejection and the balancing act of art and life.
Debbie credits her successes not just to hard work and persistence but to a little bit of luck—though her version of luck is decidedly hard-earned.
Whether you’re just starting out as an artist or looking for inspiration to take your next bold step, Debbie’s story is a reminder that bravery, persistence, and the willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
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Debbie Mueller Quotes
- “Painting is like breathing. If I don’t do it for a day or two, I’m not healthy.”
- “The worst thing that can happen when I step in front of my easel is that I make a bad painting. [It’s not life or death.] And that puts everything in perspective.”
- “In your everyday life, you don’t always meet someone who wants to sit and talk about painting for two hours. But that’s what happens when you’re [with other artists in real life].”
- “Rejection is part of this world. It’s like reject, reject, reject, acceptance…. I’m going to keep going because I’m sure there’s another [acceptance] out there somewhere.”
- “I have a pity party. I’ll feel really bummed about something that I really wanted to get into for maybe a day, and then it’s back to work.”
- “One of the things that sets [successful artists] apart is that they prop other people up, too. They are often mentioning other artists that have inspired them, or have done something kind for them… And that’s important to me.”
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-Debbie Mueller
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About My Guest
After living her life believing she was someone without any artistic ability, Debbie Mueller discovered painting in 2016 and was quickly consumed by this passion. Her light-filled work received almost immediate recognition, winning Artist Magazine’s annual competition for artists with less than 6 years of study for her landscape painting in 2018.
Debbie has exhibited in numerous national juried exhibitions, and has been recognized with significant awards in local, national, and international shows and competitions. She is a member of Oil Painters of America, American Women Artists, American Impressionist Society, The Rockport Art Association, and NOAPS.
Debbie delights in the dance between light and shadow in her illuminated, painterly and contemporary landscape and still life paintings. She incorporates familiar places and objects with bold composition to create memorable works.
Debbie practices medicine in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, and lives and paints in Durham, New Hampshire.
Follow Debbie on Instagram: @thelatebloomerartist
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