Artists Statement
"Painting is an essential part of my being. My creative process is fluid and intuitive, driven by curiosity and a love for experimentation. I use different mediums to bring unique energy, spontaneity, colour, depth and contrast. As the viewer is drawn more closely to my paintings they will find hidden textures and unexpected details that spark their own emotions, memories and their own life experiences.
Art, for me, is about connection. Whether evoking joy, reflection, or inspiration, I strive to create pieces that resonate with people on a personal level."
Artists Bio
Debbie Blackburn is a South African-based artist specializing in expressive figurative watercolour, mixed media, and acrylic paintings. Her work captures landscapes, seascapes, florals, wildlife, and human figures, while also embracing the freedom of abstraction.
With a background in fine art and photography, Debbie studied at the Johannesburg College of Art and the Johannesburg Art Foundation. She established her own commercial and fine art photography studio in 1984 before transitioning to painting in the early 2000s. By 2013, she was a full-time artist, refining her signature style through experimentation with watercolour, water-based inks, alcohol inks, pencils, and graphite - creating artworks rich in depth and texture.
Debbie’s work has been exhibited both locally and internationally, earning multiple awards in global art competitions.
Awards
2026
Honourable Mention, Women in Watercolour International
Honourable Mention, WASA International Water Media
2024
Fibaist, Top Art Awards, Art Masters
Finalist, Africa Wildlife Artist of the Year
Execllent Art Achievement, Artist Space
Certificate of Selection, Emerging Women Artist Award
Silver Medal, Tiuch of Spring, WASA.
2023
Finalist, Africa Wildlife Artist of the Year
Finalist, International Masters Watercolor Alliance “Flowers” Exhibition
Finalist, Top Art Awards
Finalist, Camelback “Shades of Red”
Finalist, Camelback “Shades of Green”
Award of Excellence, Top Art Awards
Bronze Award, Camelback “Amazing Animals”
Bronze Award, Camelback “Flower Power”
Honourable Prize Award, Tera Varna 6th Flower International Juried Art Competition
Certificate of Appreciation, Global Art Network, 23rd Global Watercolour Day Celebration
Finalist, Camelback, Best in Medium 2023
2022
Finalist, South African Watercolour Artist Landscape Artist