New Artist in Town

Deborah DeGrasse and her faithful dog Rexford moved to Cedar Key from New Hampshire's Mt. Washington Valley in early March. Deborah was following the advice of a friend who suggested Cedar Key as a place to pursue her artist's career.

When asked when her art career began she said, "My mother said that I was born with a pencil in my hand." She looks at her art school days as only helping what is a natural gift. After a stint in the military, Deborah worked in Texas for Tandy Corporation doing illustrations and computer software products, where she won awards for her work.

D. Degrasse at work.

Now, with a commitment to fine art, Deborah is concentrating on wildlife and pet portraiture. She has already gotten commissions and finished several dog portraits, with another in progress. Oil paints are Deborah's favorite medium. She likes the texture and smell of the paint. Her favorite artists are Monet, Picasso and daVinci. That may explain the precision and textures of her pieces. When asked for her views on modern art she said, she doesn't care as long as it is good. Her only objection is when a piece of art attacks someone's feelings.

Example of early work by D.Degrasse.

One of Deborah's early wildlife paintings was of a wolf, done on porcelain. Recent examples of her work include the portrait of a pug dog and a nearly finished portrait of a cat.

A recent dog portrait.

Cat portrait, in progress.

Deborah Degrasse's studio/home is at the corner of Second and "F" Street where she arises very early to pursue her goals of enjoying her work and moving to the head of the class.