Check Out Debbie Houchens’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Houchens.

Debbie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Debbie Houchens was raised in Savannah but left at 19 to “see the world!” Debbie was a nurse for 30 years and used that experience to work for a non-government organization helping street children in a rehabilitation facility for three years in Uganda, Africa.

After 40 years of being away from Savannah, she returns to her beloved city to “live her best life” as they say. She retired this year, cleared land behind her house, and put her second love, horses, on her property. Tucker a Paint quarter horse and Rambo a miniature horse keep her busy but not too busy to focus on her first love, painting.

Self-taught Debbie uses the beauty of Savannah’s seaside landscape as her inspiration to paint. “The salt water gets into your veins and forever calls you back. I’m so happy to be home.” Debbie has two sons, (Ryan and Taylor) has been married to her husband John, for 37 years.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
As with any new venture you learn some things the hard way. I use all types of mediums when painting but I think mixing colors using oil paints has been my biggest challenge. I can tell the difference in my work four years ago compared to now. Practice and determination has helped me get past color mixing frustrations

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Returning to Savannah, one of the most beautiful cities in the United States immediately got my creative juices flowing! The Live Oaks and Spanish Moss, the sunsets over the marsh, and at Tybee have inspired me to paint, not just sketch, which is something new for me.

I took an acrylic class at The Studio School on Bull Street when I came back to Savannah and haven’t stopped since. The low country themes call me to paint waves, marsh scenes, and sand dunes. Mostly in oil and pastel. I throw in horses now and then too.

How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe in luck when it comes to my painting career. I feel that God gave me this talent and I am so thankful that after raising children and working full-time, I now have the time and the ability to grow in my art career.

Contact Info:

• Email: Debbiehouchens3@gmail.com
• Website: Debbiehouchens.com
• Instagram: @debbiehouchensart

Image Credits
Callie Beale Photography