Overview

Deborah Tarr describes the process of painting as a ‘conundrum’ – a constant cycle of decision making and self-discipline. In her works, removal and restraint are often more important than adding the next thing. Her paintings are tangible and conceptual, but even in the most reductive and abstract paintings there is an organic, living line. With so much thought put into each brushstroke, finding this balance between abstraction and figuration is what Tarr does best. While some pieces are more clearly depictions of ‘somewhere’, other works might refer to a moment in the artist’s life. Tarr’s range is vast, varied and personal, and there is a world to discover in each painting, giving us an insight into the environments the artist inhabits. 



"The abstract paintings of Deborah Tarr are a forceful reminder of the celebratory power of colour and its ability to work with subtlety on our spirit and emotions."

Vanessa Jackson RA 


Tarr’s paintings emphasise their own materiality, her output is fine-tuned and each painting becomes a complete and individual object. This is defined as much by the grain of the canvas and the application of colour, as by the careful choice of frame. Sourcing and choosing the frame is a vital part of Tarr’s artistic process. From antique and reclaimed to clean and modern custom-made frames, the juxtaposition of traditional and modern, organic and man-made, is what makes her work unique, powerful and universal.

Works
  • Glow-White Sands
    Glow-White Sands, 2025
    oil on linen
    artist frame
    25cm x 23cm (10" x 9")
  • Wild West
    Wild West, 2025
    oil on linen
    artist frame
    28cm x 28cm (11" x 11")
  • Adobe
    Adobe, 2025
    oil on linen
    artist frame
    23cm x 23cm (9" x 9")
  • Augerer
    Augerer, 2025
    oil on linen
    artist frame
    23cm x 23cm (9" x 9")
  • Big Blue
    Big Blue, 2025
    oil on linen
    artist frame
    17cm x 12cm (6" x 5")
  • Dirty Pink Moon
    Dirty Pink Moon, 2025
    oil on linen
    artist frame
    26cm x 20cm (10" x 8")
  • Lake District
    Lake District
    oil on linen
    artist frame
    20cm x 25cm (7.9" x 9.8")
  • Lapis Lazuli
    Lapis Lazuli, 2025
    oil on linen
    artist frame
    150cm x 115cm (59" x 45")
  • Peaks
    Peaks, 2025
    oil on linen
    artist frame
    100cm x 85cm (39" x 33")
  • Rare Earth I
    Rare Earth I, 2025
    oil on canvas
    artist frame
    23cm x 23cm (9" x 9")
  • Rare Earth II
    Rare Earth II, 2025
    oil on canvas
    artist frame
    23cm x 23cm (9" x 9")
  • Rare Earth III
    Rare Earth III, 2025
    oil on canvas
    artist frame
    23cm x 23cm (9" x 9")
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Exhibitions
Studio shots
Biography

Deborah Tarr studied painting at the Winchester School of Art, earning her BA in 1988. Since then, her beautifully designed abstract works have been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Britain and the United States. She has been represented by Cadogan since 2002. Her career has gone from strength to strength and her base of collectors is extensive and truly international. 

 

EDUCATION

1995-88

 

BA (Hons) Fine Art Painting, Winchester School of Art, Winchester, UK.

 

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2023

 

'The Archaic Landscape', Cadogan Gallery, London, UK.

 

 

'Shelter Island', Cadogan Gallery, Milan, Italy.

2022

 

'Selected Works', Cadogan Gallery, London, UK.

2020

 

'New Paintings', Cadogan Gallery, London, UK.

2017

 

'Pulse', Miami. LPH Arts, New York, USA. 

2016

 

'Nobu', Miami. LPH Arts, New York, USA.

2000

 

'Olympia'. Max Rollitt Gallery, London, UK.

1998

 

Bruton Gallery, New York, USA.

1994

 

Winchester Cathedral, Winchester, UK.

 

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS AND FAIRS

2023

 

Summer Exhibition, Cadogan Gallery, London, UK.

2016-2017

 

 Palm Beach Modern and Contemporary, Florida, USA. GrayMCA.

2017

 

Context, Miami Art Fair, Miami, USA. Art Bastion.

 

 

Art Hamptons, New York, USA. Art Bastion.

 

 

The Ned, London, UK.

2015

 

British Art Fair, Kensington, London, UK. GrayMCA.

 

COLLECTIONS

Numerous international private collections.

 

Press