Debbie is a Salem, Oregon-based artist deeply rooted in the Willamette Valley. Her artistic journey spans decades, driven by a passion to fulfill her creative vision. With a background in fiber arts and textiles, Debbie spent 15 years teaching quilting and sharing her knowledge at local fabric shops. Throughout her career, she has prioritized her education, studied drawing since the 1970s and nurtured her artistic growth. After her two children became adults in recent years, Debbie turned her focus to drawing and painting. Over the past 20 years, she has explored various mediums, including watercolor, oils, and acrylics, ultimately discovering soft pastels as her preferred medium.Debbie is now an active art community member, regularly showcasing her pastel paintings in local galleries and exhibits. She continues to refine her craft by attending workshops with renowned pastel artists, and she is proud to be a member of both the Pastel Artists of Oregon and the Northwest Pastel Society. Her work has garnered numerous awards and is held in private collections. Outside of her artistic endeavors, Debbie shares a fulfilling life with her husband of 25 years, Robby, who is her unwavering supporter and biggest fan. Together, they have three children and six grandchildren, who add joy and inspiration to her work. Artist Statement "Knowing that every day is a gift, I become more open and eager to experience new opportunities as I travel on this journey of life. Within close destinations of home each adventure is a discovery, and offers new possibilities for making new memories. This describes the insight and delight for me, that comes with sketching and journaling nature, and painting landscapes.Each landscape created, whether it’s done on location or in the studio, becomes a special memory and a place that can be revisited again and again. As an artist, I’m thrilled and honored to be able to share this journey of discovery. My wish is that the viewer can feel a sense of calm connection and a place that speaks to them, and that they too want to revisit.When I take my easel and pastels outdoors to paint en plein air, I search out a scene that captures my attention, then I do an initial sketch to decide on the composition. An underpainting is many times the next step before I start applying the dry, pure pigment of the pastels.The direct and spontaneous medium of soft pastel responds well to special sanded papers or a prepared surface. I enjoy exploring new techniques as my journey continues."