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 Born in Scarborough,
Debra spent much of her childhood exploring the Scarborough Bluffs,
the Rouge Valley and the local ravines. She also volunteered
at the Toronto Humane Society's Wildlife Rehabilitation Department
and fostered raccoons and squirrels at home.
In conjunction with her care giving, Debra discovered
an interest in painting as well. She went on to study graphic
design at George Brown College in Toronto. While freelancing
in this field for a number of years, she found herself painting
wildlife in her free time.
Debra finds inspiration from her own real life
experiences with wildlife from around her new home in Northern
Ontario and during her many adventures with her husband to Africa,
Costa Rica and throughout North America. Photographing, sketching
and understanding her subject is an essential part of her work
before she creates the final painting in watercolour or acrylic.
Debra has enjoyed developing her own style, though she has been
inspired by artists such as Glen Loates, Carl Brenders, Carl
Runguis, Bob Kuhn and she is presently studying with artist Dwayne
Harty.
Debra's wildlife art has been recognized by organizations
such as Japan Wildlife Center, Ontario Federation of Anglers
and Hunters, the Canadian Conservation Stamp Guide and Endangered
Species Fund of Canada. In 2008, she had the privilege of being
selected once again by Ducks Unlimited Canada to be part of the
National Art Print Portfolio with her polar bear painting "Sweet
Dreams".
Even now with two young children, Debra continues
to pursue her art career, but most of all she enjoys watching
her boys' first experiences with the wildness that surrounds
us all. |
