Introducing Doug Nehrbass
Growing up in Lafayette Louisiana, I was fortunate to be in an area defined by the Atchafalaya
Basin, the prairies, the coastal marsh, the Gulf of Mexico, and other small gems scattered about the region. This environment was the stimulus of my beginning to understand how to see. My architect grandfather, Fred Nehrbass, provided me with “How to Draw…” books along with pencils and paper. The mixture of this diverse geographic location and basic drawing skills formed a foundation for my art that is still being built upon today.
I participated in summer art instruction during middle school years and continued with art
classes through high school. Then under the tutelage of the esteemed faculty at USL, I
continued to grow my ideas and vision, focusing primarily on ceramics and sculpture.
Through the more than four decades of life events, I would draw, paint, take and catalog visual
notes, as time permitted. Since retirement, I am again able to concentrate on making art. I’ve
entered another period in my life where I can devote my energies to the creative process.
Since 2014 I’ve participated in numerous solo and group exhibits. My work can be found in a
number of private collections.
Who makes up your art circle?
First and foremost, other artists. Then there are family members, and non-artist friends.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a large contingent of E-acquaintances on social
media. I’m most grateful for an important and integral segment of my circle; the patrons
and collectors that have acquired my work over the years.
How do you expand your art circle?
Attending exhibits and events. By joining collectives, organizations, and associations. All
these groups provide ideal opportunities to broaden your base. It’s a matter of finding
your tribe; once established, growth is inevitable. Okay, back to the unavoidable,
posting of images on various websites. By accepting invitations for opportunities, such
as this!
What value do you see in having a creative community?
A creative community is a shared energy source. Artists, I find, are generous about
sharing information concerning technical processes, upcoming events, and offering
solicited guidance. The community promotes the artwork, and the artist in turn
promotes the community. There’s always another paradigm waiting to be shifted and
combined artist efforts provide the impetus to make that happen, continuously.
How does your artistic approach contribute to your community?
As a landscape painter, I try to illustrate places that are, transitory, fragile and in
imminent danger of disappearing. I strive to create images that have impacted me and
provided stimulus for my work. I try to depict the beauty that surrounds us, to stress the
importance of really taking the time to look, to see what is here for us now. And, to
leave the viewer with a sense of place in this current environment.
