Deborah Wilson

Most of my career has been spent working as an illustrator for publishers. Every now and then, I would be asked to do an illustration of heaven or the garden of Eden, and I would always refer to photographs of Hawaii for inspiration. I have often wondered if God made Hawaii to give us just a glimpse of what heaven might be like. 

I am awed and inspired by the rainforest, the mountains and the ocean, and fascinated by the people. Their faces wear a dignity that stems from deeply rooted pride of heritage and a certain knowledge of who they are. I am impressed and humbled by the gracious, generous attitudes prevalent in this culture, and hope that I manage to capture the “aloha spirit” in my paintings.

Although I paint in many mediums, watercolor is my favorite - it’s adventurous,  spontaneous, and free-spirited. I love to allow the paint to do what it wants to do naturally, then pull in the reins and focus in on an area of interest. The graphite adds an element of rusticity that is important to the piece.

I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to live and work in Hawaii, where the beauty calls to the artist in all of us. I hope to communicate the soothing breeze, the peace of the forests, and the healing qualities that I have experienced here. When people view my paintings, I hope that they will be drawn into this place of hope, serenity and peace.