And, although I am now definitely a city girl, I still love walking in the woods, exploring nature and discovering all the patterns within.

As an artist, I fell in love with watercolor paints after years of experimenting with scratch board, oils and acrylics and haven't turned back. I am pretty old school with my artwork and hand paint and draw everything. There is nothing better than the feeling of a brush in your hand.

In 2010, I started Bluehour Studio (later to become Debra Styer Illustration) and began creating portraits and illustration for my Etsy shop and getting my work in galleries. My focus now  has turned to the publishing world, where I would love to see my illustrations paired with the written word in books and magazines.

My first fully illustrated book, "Happily Ever I Do”, (written by Valerie Chiaponne) was published in late 2017.

I live in the Mission District in San Francisco with my sign painting husband, Damon and our two black cats, Poe and Sinjin.

Hello!

I'm Debra Styer (Debbie), and I am a freelance artist and illustrator.

My paintings are inspired by my deep love of art, history, literature, folk tales and ghost stories. The stranger the tale the better. I will admit, as a kid, I dreamed of being a time traveler and imagined popping in and out of different eras. Now, I feel so lucky, I get to draw those worlds.

Illustrating people has always been one of my favorite things.  I love learning about the way people live, be it real life or imaginary. If it is done right, I believe looking into the face of a painting can make a real connection between the viewer and artist. And, although some of my work can be on the darker side of things, I think showing the darkness allows the light to show through.

Thanks again for stopping by, if you would like to inquire about a commission or collaboration, or just say hi, you can send an email here or message me on Instagram!

I'd love to hear from you!