Debra Saum – Animal Artist Interview

Name
Debra Saum

Website & Places you can find my work online
Website: www.debrasaum.com
Equine Art Guild
Mural Mosaic
Image Kind
Horse Conscious
Judges Choice

Where I am
San Diego, California

Tell us a little about you, what is your background & where do you come from?
Born in San Diego, California in 1950, Debra was fascinated with animals at a very early age. Always curious to learn about nature and all her creatures, she was most often found talking with the animals.

A self-taught artist and natural-born telepath, she has been creating her own style of watercolor and acrylic art for over 25 years. Her “Talking Art” has gained national recognition for its remarkable ability to inspire inter-species communication.

Debra creates each animal portrait by using a specialized, self-designed process which allows her to capture the essence of her beloved subjects. Spending 40 – 60 hours with every painting, she utilizes her skills as an Animal Communicator to understand the unique personality of each animal she paints.

Her vibrant portrayals of domestic animals and endangered wildlife have the uncanny ability to inspire humans, motivating them to appreciate the profound wisdom of all animals.

Debra has written numerous articles and published books about her unique relationship with animals. Recognized as an expert in the emerging field of Inter-species relationships, her work is considered revolutionary in its ability to promote reverence for all life.

“It is my dream to broadcast the animal’s messages of love, hope and joy. By listening to them, we return to our own sense of what is right in the world.”

When did you first start painting?
About 25 years ago.

You paint a pretty wide range of animals, what is your favorite subject?
As an Animal Intuitive, I love painting all animals & For the last few years, I have focused on horses.

They are magnificent creatures and very challenging to paint because of the complex structure of their anatomy…lots of angles and shadows.

Who are your main influences?
The animals themselves. As a self-taught artist, I admire all the unique artist styles that have developed over the years by various artists. I let the animals tell me how they would like to be depicted in their portraits.

Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse be= hind your work?
Yes, my horse Romeo. He is a beautiful Quarter Horse and has also been my model for several Equine paintings.

Your work is so vibrant, what is your favorite medium?
Acrylic. I started out many years ago with watercolor, but wasn’t able to create the vibrant colors that I can using acrylic.

Is there a particular place that brings you inspiration?
I love all nature. We live close to the Pacific Ocean, so many times my beach walks with my husband bring me inspiration. I also adore being in the mountains. Living in San Diego, we can easily drive to both locations!

What effect do you think the Internet will have on art in general?
I think it is already having a tremendous impact on the availability of fine art as well as the promotion of artistic expression. People all over the world can search the web to find so many examples of beautiful art.

As the world continues to view art in a whole new way, I think fine art will be recognized as a source of inspiration and used in various products. Fine art isn’t just a beautiful painting on a canvas anymore.

Has it had an effect on yours?
Yes. Now I can reach so many more people with my paintings and my message about animals as teachers.

Which one is your personal favorite piece?
“Romeo” (horse)

Would you ever sell it?
No. He is my heart, that horse!

What else are you passionate about?
Healthy living, spiritual awareness and kindness to all beings.

Working on anything new?
I am about to launch my new book Horse as Teacher…The Path to Relationship in which I am a co-author with 9 other successful horse-women. It is due out in mid-November. I have a special offer that is available on my website.

More to Come

Thanks to Debra for answering the interview and sharing her work. Be sure to check out her art website periodically for updates about her latest works.

Also stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists and photographers.
Are you a horse artist or do you know an equine artist you’d like to see featured? Add your name and website in the comments below or drop me a note to get involved.