About Me - Debra H. Sisson

I have been creating, exhibiting and selling my artwork for over 20 years.  I'm excited to have my art on eBay now!    My work has been included in and won awards in regional and national juried exhibitions.   My canine drawings and paintings have been exhibited in the national juried fine arts competition "Art Show at the Dog Show" every year since 2003.

I began drawing at a very early age.  Horses were my main subjects as they were my constant fascination.  It wasn't until art classes in college that I learned to use color which opened up a new world of possibilities.   I studied art at Texas Tech University and received a B.A. in Art from the University of Arkansas, with an emphasis on watercolor painting.   Since then, I've worked in pastel and also found a passion for oil painting in bringing my chosen images to life.

I’m especially fond of depicting animals and nature.  Capturing the essence and likeness of an animal or someone’s beloved pet is very rewarding to me. I’ve drawn and painted commissioned pet portraits for the last several years.  I also enjoy painting flowers, still lifes, landscapes, and close-ups of interesting subjects.   I often take photos to capture images in different lighting situations.   Whether working from real life or using photos for resource material, continuing to learn and improve my craft is my goal.

In my creative process, I use whatever techniques and materials I think will best bring about the effect I want.   Sometimes it’s the strong contrast between light and shadow that I want to focus on.   I enjoy bringing out the many shifts in color and value that result from strong light illuminating forms.   Other times, I may be drawn to the mood I feel the subject evokes. The amount of details in my work also varies.   Sometimes I strive for a very realistic portrayal; other times I use a more Impressionist approach.   For me, the joy of making art is in the challenge of using composition, shape, and color to bring about an interesting or perhaps dramatic painting.   The process of painting is very gratifying to me and I like to think that my images are uplifting, because that is what attracts me to art.    It’s my hope that something about my art connects with those who view it!

I live in the beautiful Arkansas River valley with my husband, three dogs and a cat on five acres.  I'm always planting and growing different kinds of trees and plants.   This way, I have plenty of subject matter to inspire me.  My pets also inspire me.   Two of them are Pug dogs (one is a rescue) and I have donated Pug paintings to rescue groups for their fundraising activities.

Thanks for your interest in my art!     Click here to e-mail me.