Debra Botman is a watercolour artist residing in the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Her work comes from the everyday and the people in her life who inspire her. From a long history of gardening, a love of nature and, through the love of her lifetime’s love of golf, she has found an outlet in her retirement to create.

Her initial works were in greeting card designs to be personally shared with family and friends. From this, a series of humorous golf-themed greeting cards entitled “The Art of Golf’ was launched. Many other cards are in her collection but the golf series has been a favourite for many.

Both formal and informal training have helped her to grow and continue to grow as an artist. In person and online workshops with an extensive list of artists have influenced her present work. A paint and sip event in 2016 at The 13th Street Winery taught by Julie Snider stands out as a major event. Followed with multiple in-home weekly sessions her passion grew.

Over the past few years, workshops at both The Haliburton School of Art and Design, along with the Village Art Workshops at the Art School in Florida have been a strong source of additional educational opportunities.

Her most recent exploration and learning has been with the use of Japanese rice paper, watercolour and the batik process. Two major Watercolour Batik artists to mention include Kathie George and Kathy Mantel.  They have helped inspire her most recent work. Using multiple layers of wax, watercolour paints and the patience to uncover a piece that is unique in its appearance is the most rewarding part of this creative process. Simple designs with nothing extravagant in the mix would describe her paintings.

Life is full of the simplest of things, and that is what ‘My Artistry Studio” is all about.