New images added April 2024
New images added April 2024
Born and bred in Sheffield, Yorkshire, like many I was an early adopter of pencil and paper. Creating art has been an integral part of my life ever since.
After gaining a degree in Visual Arts long ago, I traveled and worked overseas, honing my drawing and illustration skills whilst earning a crust through an impressively wide array of jobs. My graphic design experience combined with a life-long interest in the great outdoors led me to become an environmental interpretative designer - a role which I enjoyed for many years, initially iwith the Forestry Commission in the UK then, following a move to Canada, with Metro Vancouver Parks and most recently the municipality of Whistler.
Winking Owl Design & Illustration was hatched over 20 years ago, enabling me to take on freelance projects and pursue personal art alongside working as an in-house designer.
Fast forward to today; I'm living on Vancouver Island, my graphic design days are behind me, and I've returned to traditional painting and drawing, with watercolour and ink as my long-standing mediums of choice. I'm deeply grateful for the chance to keep exploring this creative path and wherever it may lead, I appreciate the opportunity to share some of my work with you.
Thanks for taking an interest and for supporting local art.
Debbie