Deborah Whitt born in 1975 raised in the small desert town of Twentynine Palms California. She studied the human form at a very early age. Self motivated and creative by nature, Deb is a self taught portrait artist. Although Deborah has used various mediums, most of her work is in Charcoal and Oil.
Currently a member of the Las Vegas Artist Guild, Deb's art has shown around the Vegas Art community in group shows such as Las Vegas Artist Guilds Time Machine Juried Exhibition where “Girl in the Clouds” received 3rd place, as well as “Pour me a Glass” and “Light my Fire” landed her as a Top Ten finalist out of hundreds of submissions at the 2023 Made in Vegas Competition Park West Gallery. Deborah's recent solo show, "The Life Works of Deborah Whitt" displayed 29 years of original artwork.
Deborah now works out of her Vegas studio. Inspired by her love of the Vintage West and Traditional American Art. She is inspired by her American travels to beautiful desolate places, and the beautiful faces of all the different cultures that call America home.
Words from the Artist....
"For 29 years I’ve studied the human figure in Charcoal, and oil. I enjoy the rough texture of charcoal, and the flow of oils.
Where it all started….
"Here I am in 3rd grade drawing girls in dresses one day, then drawing skulls the next. Going from beautiful things, to rough and gritty. When I discovered charcoal, I retired the pencil. I love how I can focus on details and hard plays of light and shadow without the distraction of color. Charcoal can take on so many different forms if you’re willing to get your hands dirty. Then I discovered sanded paper. I won’t draw on anything else! It’s what gives me that so called “tooth” perfect for my rugged western characters.
"Currently you can find me in my studio. The desert inspires my portrait ideas, as well as sets a great illustrative narration for my subjects. It’s what I know. Lived in the desert my whole life. 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 ever changing beauty!
My sketches start out as a charcoal. Some of my drawings progress into a painting. I love painting the light and shadow of the desert. Shadows lend so much depth to my art, and I find it a great contrast within my pieces."
Artist History
-Drawing since 1983
-Muralist 2001-2007
-Artist Exhibition Bread Pan Art Holsum Design Center Las Vegas Art District
-“Solo Artist Exhibition” and Art Teacher 2006 Art and Coffee 2006
-Photography Studies Digital Art 2010
-Owner of Rose & Bee Photography 2014-2022
-Group Show LVAG 2019
-Artist AW Gallery 2020
-3rd Place “Girl In the Clouds” LVAG Juried Show/Time Machine Exhibition
-Solo Show “The Life Works of Deborah Whitt 1994-2023
Art Square Gallery April 2023
-Made in Vegas 2023 Top Ten Finalist Park West Gallery
“Pour me a Glass” oil on wood
“Light my Fire” oil on wood