About

Debra L. Kiel

Canadian Graphite Artist

Nature’s Embrace Love Art Series

Most would have thought an Artist journey would be impossible for me!  I was born unable to see clearly, only with little glasses, many eye patches and three eye surgeries, did the world of color and light finally become clear in delightful detail!  (And to this day, marvelling at its beauty has never left me)

My Artistic Dad, liked to draw tattoo pictures beside my scape or bump, making it feel better!

Now, I realize these experiences were gifts, which developed my Artistic Eye, and connected it deeply to nature, love, and healing.

At a young age, Artist abilities were starting to show and producing images from each hand came naturally. (Switching hands still helps me creatively)

Soon, as a confident little artist, I won art lessons at the City Art Gallery!

However, the cold grey gallery lacking artwork, made a hollow impression. The teacher, intending to help, twice corrected my work changing its direction.  I felt embarrassed, deeply annoyed, and “not good enough” for this Art world.

“A good Artist makes it look like a photograph,” were other words I heard during this formative time. Another creative box I tried to fit in, with little satisfaction.

These younger self ideas blocked my creativity until my late adult life, but the pull to draw and paint never left me, not for a minute.

Northern Alberta and farm living became home, along with the blessing of two amazing children. However, creativity had a hard time surfacing. Only a few “perfect” wildlife drawings emerged.

Yet, I loved breathing air that was beyond fresh and spent time in the beautiful wild, feeling the Trees and Mother Earth, and my connection to her.

I sat on a beaver house listening to loons, hilltop country star gazed, watched northern lights dance, glimpsed a whitetail buck or black bear walk through the yard and studied spider webs hanging somewhere in my garden. Cooked on a wood stove in mountain cabins, rode horses where the river flowed over the saddle, and climbed mountains where stone sheep ran up one side and down the other.  Watched the miracle of a horse foal or my children picking berries in valleys or fields full of wildflowers in all shapes and colors!

Then years later.  Life changed.  My marriage ended.

But it was then I discovered what I loved, who I am on this planet and what I valued.  Being deeply attracted to Love, Trees, Nature, Energy, and Human connection. The mystery and wonder of life came to mind.

I read and held true…Love is not in our imagination but is the only true source of energy that has a real effect on the world.  We were created as part of nature.  Love and nature are one.

For a decade, my career was Massage Therapy, Reflexology and Advanced Cranial Sacral therapy.  I was fascinated by the movement of muscles, the study of bones and the energy from within that heals the body.  This valuable experience allowed me to draw the human form exactly as it would move or rest.

Then, peacefully sitting under a favorite tree, I heard these words, “We were created to create.

So with joy….I began creating.  I felt Nature’s embrace.

Capturing the ability to feel an emotion in each image, along with a message of healing our connection with loving relationships and nature, inspired me!

As for my Artist child. I let her know, her ideas and creations are great… keep going!!

I also volunteer in School Art classes encouraging creative confidence.

Today, my artist journey continues.  I am blessed with a beautiful life, family, friends and my busy Art room nestled in the trees of the mountains.  Feelings of gratitude mixed with excitement arise knowing more artistic creations are always on their way!

What a wonderful earth and creative universe we are all connected to.

I am delighted you have taken an interest in my work. I hope it encourages walking in the woods, seeing and sensing our innate connection to the wild.  May this Artwork also fill your personal space with love and nature, by simply hanging them in your wall!

Debra L. Kiel

Natures Embrace Love Art Series