Dee Yarnell prefers to work from direct observation. Dee says "Each painting begins with the simplification of the subject into three basic values, light halftone and dark. Then with color and light I describe the subject using a technique that captures the essence of the moment. My goal is to create beautiful works that appear effortless, no matter how complicated the subject. I want the viewer to be drawn into the work, undistracted by irrelevant detail."
Although in earlier years Dee was a resident portrait artist for an upscale department store and did promotions for other stores and also for cosmetic companies, over the years she expanded her painting interests to include landscape, floral and still life paintings. Dee works primarily in oils and pastels.