"I truly enjoy painting still lifes and landscapes, but painting animals is my passion. The greatest joy an artist can receive is to capture the personality, the momemt in time, and the facial expressions that only one who loves animals can understand. In a portrait, I find the eyes are the heart and soul into telling an animal's story.
"When a viewer says they felt a connection through a dog's devoted gaze, a deer's startled glance or the penetration of a tiger's glare, I know I have accomplished my mission.
"I prefer strong bold colors and a warm palette to convey my message. A larger variety of reds, oranges, and yellows will always be found somewhere in my work. for me, these colors are warm and exciting-much like the wildlife I love to study. I consider myself very traditional, but I also try to keep a loose sense of edges and broad range of values by using strong highlights. Even though the majority of my subjects usually require working from a collection of photographs in my studio, nothing compares to the joy of painting on location. What could be more beautiful or inspiring to someone holding a paintbrush than being able to use all their senses as they work? The truth in art for me can only be seen outdoors on God's canvas."
- Debbie
