So you want to know about the artist... Well, what you won't find is a list of art degrees or awards, but what you will learn is something about my philosophy on what makes an artist and the things that inspire me to create.

When it was time for me to choose what I was going to do with my life as a young person, I chose a career in the helping professions and became an occupational therapist. As a therapist for the last twenty years, I have encouraged and found creative ways for adults and children with disabilities to become independent individuals. I learned that even the most difficult task can be accomplished with motivation, a focus on strengths, and a bit of creativity. With my drive to create, a rekindled interest in art and encouragement from friends and family, I began to create with paints in 1993.

In the beginning I learned a few important things that I am still guided by:

• You learn to paint by painting, so paint, paint, paint... There are no mistakes, only learning experiences.
• Use the Masters' works as a learning tool and for inspiration; some that I use the most are Manet, Hopper, Millet, Singer-Sargent, Henri, Bellows, Van Gogh, Cassat, Rodin, Daubigny, Daumier, Morisot and Degas.
• Paint from life whenever possible. I love the beauty of the land, so many times I have found myself trying to beat the changing light and picking bugs out of my paints!
• Paint for yourself and the enjoyment it gives you.
• And last, but not least, there will always be external forces that can inspire you to leave your creative comfort zone--Take a chance!

-Debora Spring

My simple getaway

There's a star on the Far horizon, rising Bright in an azure sky, For the rest of the time That you're given Why walk when you can fly? -Mary Chapin Carpenter