Born in Palm Springs, California in 1959, Debbie was surrounded by the most entrancing fusion of cultures. Mid-Century Modern was prevalent in homes and fashion, classic Spanish architecture adorned streets, Native American Indian, Old Western, Hispanic art delighted tourists and locals alike, and the delicious warm desert pallet filled every sense. These were the elements that would subtly and sometimes boldly manifest into Debbie’s work.

Debbie’s first ambition was to have a syndicated comic strip. Over the years as a professional cartoonist, her comics were published in several local papers. From there, she mastered her illustration skills, and moved into the graphic design field. She worked for world renowned Palm Springs Life magazine as a designer, and shortly after, became the Senior Art Director for one of the top ad agencies in the Palm Springs area. Debbie spent over 35 years in the graphic design field, running her own company, “Studio West Graphics” in Orange County, California.

Wishing to take a break from graphics, Debbie was inspired by her father who started creating beautiful oil paintings at the age of 70. She began to try her hand in the fine arts field, and for the last 9 years has been developing her style, working in acrylics, mixed media, graphite, and paper mâché sculptures. Her eclectic figurative style lends to a thought provoking and sometimes quirky study of women and desert wildlife which are in collections worldwide. Now residing by the spectacular Saguaro National Park in Tucson Arizona, Debbie is running a successful Bed and Breakfast from her Hacienda, “La Casa Del Artista”, and applying the rich desert pallet to her paintings, drawings and the rapidly reproducing Arizona Al Jack Rabbits! Made of paper mâché, stone clay and painted in great  detail, these cuties have been hopping into many collector’s hearts and homes. Her current focus has been to be an exclusive artist, capturing the style of specifically chosen venues in her eclectic style.

Shows

Aaron Brothers Solo Show- Tustin, CA

Ojai Art in the Park - Ojai, CA

The heART of Orange County Showcases (2 years)- Chemer’s Gallery, Tustin, CA

Various shows at Las Laguna Gallery - Laguna Beach, CA

The Summer Show (3 Years) Borrego Art Institute - Borrego Springs, CA

Lotería de Tucson at Arte De La Vida - Tucson, AZ

Small Works at The Untitled Gallery - Tucson, AZ

Solo Show -Spirit & Totems at House of Borrego Springs - Borrego Springs, CA

Art Unleashed at Art Mozaik Gallery - Santa Fe, NM

Gallery & Specialty Shops Representation

Mystic Arts Gallery- Laguna Beach, CA

David Anthony Gallery, Taos, NM

Cactus Wren Artisans, Tucson, AZ

Cactus Wren Art Gallery, Tubac, AZ

Arizona Wildlife Conservation Center, Scottsdale, AZ

Borrego Art Institute, Borrego Springs, CA

House of Borrego Springs West & East Galleries, Borrego Springs, CA

Petroglyphs A Tucson Emporium, Tucson, AZ

Buffalo Trading Post - Tucson, AZ

Tohono Chul Botanical Gardens & Galleries, Tucson, AZ

Marshall Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ

Publications

“Contemporary Painters” Coffee table book by Schiffer Publishing

“Jack the Mouse” Children’s book illustrations

“Artsy Shark Featured Artist” December 2021

“Shoutout Arizona Magazine” Interview, November 2022

“For the love of art has always been at the very core of my thoughts, the deepest stirring of my heart, and the food of my visual appetite.”

“My greatest joy is watching people light up when they see my paintings. The images I create are filled with delicious colors, moving textures, and an un-spoken passion. I believe many people get that vibe!” 

A Note to All Creatives

One of the most important decisions I made in my art career was to be a part of Matt Tommey’s Art Mentoring Group. If you are an artist looking for inspiration and excellent spirit-filled mentoring, I absolutely recommend Matt’s many resources.