Deborah Whitt, born in 1975 and raised in the small desert town of Twentynine Palms, California, is a self-taught portrait artist. She began drawing at the age of eight, inspired and encouraged by her father’s passion for music and his appreciation of the Native and Mexican arts. Influences such as the storytelling of Norman Rockwell, the figurative movements of Bouguereau, Maxfield Parrish, Charcoals of Ture Bengtz, Diego Rivera, and exposure to her heritage have all shaped her style. Her work celebrates the beauty of bygone eras, evoking an appreciation for times remembered.
In Deborah’s thirties and forties, she explored photography, eventually creating stylized sets. What began as a photography business collaborating with fellow creatives to curate vintage-inspired scenes evolved into a full return to painting in 2020. During the pandemic, working from home reignited her passion for art and her need to follow her artistic calling once again. Today Deborah works out of her Vegas studio, showcasing in both Arizona and Nevada, continuing her artistic journey.
Artist Statement
The desert—where I’ve lived most of my life—is more than a backdrop for my art; it’s a constant source of inspiration. The breeze. The quiet. The smell when it rains. I’ll never forget my first drive out onto the Eldorado Lakebed. The cracked earth ever changing. Anyone who says the desert is ugly hasn’t experienced its vast beauty!
Awards & Recognition
• Made in Vegas — Top Ten Finalist, Park West Gallery (2023)
• 3rd Place — Girl in the Clouds, LVAG Juried Show Time Machine Exhibition (2021)Exhibitions
• Way Out West Show, KCA Gallery, Kingman, AZ — 2025
• Solo Exhibition, Sara Peterson Gallery, Kingman, AZ — June–August 2025
• The Life Works of Deborah Whitt 1994–2023, Solo Exhibition, Art Square Gallery, Las Vegas, NV —
2023
• Group Exhibition, Las Vegas Artists Guild (LVAG), Las Vegas, NV — 2019
• Artist Exhibition, Bread Pan Art, Holsum Design Center, Las Vegas Arts District, Las Vegas, NV — 2006
• Solo Exhibition, Art & Coffee, Las Vegas, NV — 2006
Education & Training
• Drawing Studies, North Seattle College, 1996–1997
• Photography Studies, Digital Art — 2010
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Education & Training
• Drawing Studies, North Seattle College, 1996–1997
• Photography Studies, Digital Art — 2010
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Artist History
• Present — Exhibiting in Kingman, AZ / Las Vegas, NV
• Route 66 Annual Fundraiser, KCA Gallery
• Artist, AW Gallery (2020)
• Owner, Rose & Bee Photography (2014–2022)
• Art Teacher, Art & Coffee (2006)
• Muralist (2001–2007)
• Drawing since 1983