Debra, born in Scarborough, 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 rehabilitation department and fostered young raccoons and squirrels at home.

In conjunction with her care giving, Debra discovered an interest in drawing 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. She entered competitions, successfully, and exhibited her artwork in shows, such as the Buckhorn Fine Art Festival.

Debra's wildlife art has since been recognized by organizations such as the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Endangered Species Fund of Canada and the Canadian Conservation Stamp Guide.

Debra finds her inspiration from her own real life experiences with wildlife from around her new home in Northern Ontario and during her many adventures to Australia, Africa, Costa Rica and throughout the United States. Photographing, sketching and understanding her subject is an essential part of her work before she can create the final painting. Debra works in watercolour with gouache, acrylic and has just begun working with pastel sticks. Mainly a self-taught artist, she has enjoyed developing her own style. "I've always concentrated on the fine details of the animals, especially the eyes in an attempt to capture the emotion of the moment." Even now with two young children, Debra continues to pursue her art career, but most of all enjoys watching her boys' first experiences with the wildness that surrounds us all.

Click Photos Below To Enlarge

Bear At The River Bank	Grizzly With Cubs
Elk In Winter	Red-breasted Nuthatch
Black Bears Hunting Salmon	Forest Trillium and Dragon Fly
Whiskers- Otter	Antlers - Elk
Morning - Mouring Dove	Snowshoe Hare
Canada Geese	Cougar
Bugling Elk	Elk Crossing
Elk Grazing	Lions
Lynx	Misty Morning
Otters Playing	Polar Bears