Debbie Hughbanks

WAOW Signature Member, Associate Member PSA, NPS

Hughbanks Art           www.hughbanksart.com

3734-F N. Deer Lake Rd., Loon Lake, WA  99148

phone: 509.233.9352   email: debbie@hughbanksart.com

Artist Biography – Poster Artist 2010

–Debbie Hughbanks

Debbie Hughbanks was born in Arvada, Colorado in 1955. After living for several years in Missouri and a short time in Germany she moved to Washington State in 1967.  Now living in the northeastern part of the state surrounded by pine trees, mountains and several lakes, she finds that her studio is a perfect place to create. The beautiful landscape, North American wildlife and the domestic animals that she loves to paint are all around her at this little piece of heaven on earth.

Debbie works predominately in acrylics or pastel, often exploring wildlife, western or figurative themes. She also loves to work with clients in the creation of commission pieces to capture special memories or paint portraits of family members or treasured pets. Animals of all types are a specialty of hers.

Debbie regularly participates in national and international competitions and shows and has been honored to receive numerous awards at these events. Some special honors include First Place at the Meeker International Art Competition (2009), Second Place in the Richeson 75 International: Small Works Competition (2009), and the Contemporary Culture Award at The Native Art of Horse Painting Competition (The Trail of Painted Ponies - Scottsdale, AZ.) for her entry titled "Kindred Spirits" in 2006. In March 2008, “Kindred Spirits” became that year’s exclusive pony figurine for Dillard’s Department Store. She has also received several awards at the Wyoming Conservation Stamp Competition including the Award of Merit in the 2007 Competition. Additionally, Debbie had two paintings accepted into the prestigious 2009 PaintAmerica Top 100 and Top Mini 50 Competition that will travel throughout the country in 2010.

Debbie’s pastel painting, “Elegance in Grey,” was selected to be featured in Strokes of Genius 2: The Best of Drawing Light and Shadow, published in October 2009. Additionally, her pastel and acrylic paintings have been included in numerous other books including Best of America Pastel Vol. II (2009).

Debbie is a Signature Member of Women Artists of the West (WAOW), a member of The Northwest Pastel Society, and a juried Associate Member of the Pastel Society of America.  She was the Assistant Show Chairman for WAOW for two years and is currently serving as Treasurer. Debbie is also on the Advisory Council of Monarch Arts.

Artist Statement

When a viewer of my art is moved, inspired, or reminded of someone or something important to them, it is the greatest compliment I could ever receive. In my paintings I often try to convey a special feeling or relationship between two or more people, or people and the animals we all share our universe with. I feel that animals are an extremely important part of our existence and should be treasured and celebrated by human beings, and that is what I attempt to do through my art.