Highly experienced Art and Design teacher, artist, educational consultant and Edexcel A Level Art examiner gets you the GCSE & A Level results you deserve.

Find out more about Deborah

• When did you start practicing? How did this passion find you?

  From an early age I was very much interested in making and creating things. I enjoy using my imagination and creativity to explore different ideas. We didn't have a great deal of money when growing up, so I tried to be as resourceful as possible with the things I found and used, which probably defines how resourceful I am now.

• Which artists or works affect you the most?

  I love a range of artists work, both male and female, both contemporary and historically, more so from the twentieth century onwards, but believe we can learn from many artists which have gone before us, or who are our contemporaries now. I call them our friends, and if we want to learn from them, we must first make freinds with them. So for example, I love the colourful bold and imaginative landscapes of Barbara Rae. I am fortunate enough to have one of her prints on my wall in the kitchen, it's of Achill Beach in Ireland, which I had the pleasure of visiting with my family when our daughter was there for a while. I am also in awe of the genius of Picasso, the sublime figures made by Rodin, Van Goghs vision and making-making. To the sheer skill and draughtsmanship of Lucian Freud and contemporaries such as Lynette Yiadom-Boakye and Claudette Johnson.

• What are the qualities and skill required to succeed in this area?

  To succeed in this area, I think you need a willingness to learn, be open to opportunities and ideas and not be afraid to give things a go. Go into things with an open heart and an open mind.

• What is the most valuable advice you can give to help someone stay focused on creative projects?

  The advice I would give to help someone to stay focused would be to find a project which has a range of options to explore, which you know A: You have the ability to tackle and B: The resources to help you achieve this.

• How would you describe your passion; how does it make you feel?

  My passion for Art defines who I am, it has led me to become the artist and educator I am today, which I am immensely proud and honoured to be. As a practitioner it has grounded me in my own work @paint.mygarden and it has enabled me to help others succeed in the creation of their own artwork. In itself, this is incredibly rewarding and empowering.

• What creative achievements are you particularly proud of?

  I value all my achievements so far, from getting my degree to developing and teaching a creative and engaging syllabus for the thousands of students I have taught and continue to teach. I love inspiring and educating young people, I'm a firm believer in life long learning. To never stop being curious, asking questions, and seeing where those possibilities may take you. It's in the journey, not the destination.

• Have you ever been surprised by a student; by their ability or quick progression?

  I forever continue to be surprised at what young minds are capable of thinking and creating. Each student I have taught will approach and see things differently, even if the starting point is the same, how amazing creativity can be.

• Being a Superprof is an art! What is your secret?

  To be an exceptional Superprof you need your arsenal of tried and tested experience to draw upon. Be up to date with contemporary practice and be able to inspire and motivate students in their learning to become the best possible versions of themselves.