70 SIDELINES OCTOBER 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
“Moonlight at
Chincoteague”
– 12” x 18”
Gallery Mount
and 16 x 24
Canvas
e
Artist Profile
Debby Thomas
Manakin Sabot, Virginia
Type of Artist: Photographer and Artist - Website:
After working as a trainer and instructor for 30 years, Debby Thomas
now connects people with the animal world through her photographs
and artwork, including oils, acrylics and pencil. Her colored pencil and
pencil work have been featured in the book
Strokes of Genius: the Best of
Drawing
, on the cover of
The Chronicle of the Horse
and in the American
Academy of Equine Artists shows. In addition, her photographs have been
published in books, calendars and magazines. She has also received
numerous awards for her photography in juried competitions.
“Getting
Centered”
– 15”x 22
Photograph
“Contemplation” – 12 x 18 Photograph on Canvas or Infused into
Metal
Photos by Debby Thomas
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
My friend Wilma Bradner encouraged me to put my work
“out there,” resulting in a special win and a second career
[as an artist] after the horse business.
What is the most important piece you have ever created?
There are actually several answers to this. In the traditional
artwork I’d say it was my first colored pencil painting, “Forever
Young.” I was starting out and was surprised at how well it
was received. It gave me the confidence to continue and
started my career as an artist. As a photographer, it would
be possibly my “Lady in Red.” This style, with the darkened
background, has become one of my signature styles.
What’s the hardest thing about creating art?
Knowing when to stop. I always want to keep making it
better! (laughs)
“Adrenaline” – 8 x 20 Photograph
