Debra Rhoads was born in Jacksonville and grew up in Orlando. Inspired by her mother, she's been drawing and painting her whole life. Her neighbor, who was a retired art professor, gave her her first formal lesson at age 11. He woke up her abilities and gave her the confidence she needed. She still hears his voice telling her to believe in her dreams.
She took art lessons when and wherever she could, including the Crealde School of Art in Winter Park. She married and moved to Pennsylvania, living there for 16 years. She loved living there but it didn't have the beautiful birds and sunsets seen in Port Charlotte where her husband and her currently reside. They moved back to Florida 4 years ago where she is inspired to paint and live her dream. When she sees the true colors in the beautiful birds, endless sunsets, and the many different types of fish that live in this wonderful state, she can't think of anything else but to paint them.
"I get so excited, I want to share what I see, with everyone!"
She took art lessons when and wherever she could, including the Crealde School of Art in Winter Park. She married and moved to Pennsylvania, living there for 16 years. She loved living there but it didn't have the beautiful birds and sunsets seen in Port Charlotte where her husband and her currently reside. They moved back to Florida 4 years ago where she is inspired to paint and live her dream. When she sees the true colors in the beautiful birds, endless sunsets, and the many different types of fish that live in this wonderful state, she can't think of anything else but to paint them.
"I get so excited, I want to share what I see, with everyone!"
