Debra Lynn Ireland, a renowned Canadian animal artist has been

Debra Lynn Ireland, a renowned Canadian animal artist has been recognized
by organizations such as the Japan Wildlife Center, Endangered Species
Fund of Canada, Jungle Cat World, Ontario Federation of Anglers and
Hunters, and the Canadian Conservation Stamp Guide. Debra has also had
the privilege of being selected by Ducks Unlimited Canada to be part of their
National Art Portfolio.
Debra finds her inspiration from the wildlife around her home in Beaver
Lake, her camp on Manitoulin Island and during her many adventures
throughout North America, Africa, Australia and Costa Rica. Photographing,
sketching and understanding her subject is an essential part of her work
which happens long before she creates the final painting. In many of her
paintings, she uses watercolour with gouache to paint the details of her
subjects and studies each animal to capture the emotion and character. "I’ve
always concentrated on the fine details of the animals, especially the eyes in
an attempt to capture the emotion of the moment." She also enjoys painting
with acrylics and has recently expanded to pastels.
Mainly a self-taught artist, she has enjoyed developing her own style,
inspired by the detailed work of artists’ such as Glen Loates, Michael Dumas
and Carl Brenders. In recent years, it is the art of Carl Runguis, Bob Kuhn and Dwayne Harty that has inspired her
to study the theory of light and colour, taking her paints outside to learn from life.
This Wood Duck painting is being created with acrylic on masonite, with the use of photographs by Theodore
Smith.
www.debralynnireland.com