Debra Botman is a watercolour artist who has resided in the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake for the past 11 years. With her long history of gardening, a love of nature and her lifetime's love of golf, she has found an outlet in her retirement to create.

Debra's initial works were in greeting card designs to be personally shared with family and friends. From this, a series of humourous golf-themed greeting cards entitled "The Art of Golf" was launched. Many other genres are in her card collection, however the golf series has been a favourite for many.

A paint and sip event at the 13th Street Winery taught by Julie Snider sparked an interest in the use of watercolours. Since then, she has had both formal and informal training in various mediums which has helped her continue to grow as an artist. Both in-person and online workshops, with an extensive list of artists, have influenced her present work. Over the past few years, workshops at both The Haliburton School of Art and Design, along with the Village Art Workshops at the Art School in Florida have been a strong source of additional educational opportunities.

Her current exploration and learning has been with the use of Japanese rice paper, watercolours and the batik process. Two major artists, Kathie George and L. Cole Wolford, have helped inspire her most recent work. Using multiple layers of wax, watercolour paints, an atomizer and the patience to uncover a piece that is as unique in its appearance is the most rewarding part of this creative process.