A lifelong resident of the Four Corners region—where Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico meet— Debbie Clay was born in the small mountain town of Durango, Colorado, and raised on the Navajo Reservation in both Utah and New Mexico. Her deep love for the Southwest is reflected throughout her work, from expansive landscapes to detailed still‑life paintings.

Although the Southwest continues to inspire her, Debbie’s adventurous spirit has taken her around the world to travel and paint. Primarily an oil painter, she often works in watercolor while on the road, appreciating the medium for its portability and the convenience of having a full palette at hand. Among her favorite international subjects are scenes from Copenhagen, Denmark, and Venice, Italy.

Debbie has studied with both American and international artists, has received awards from numerous shows, and has her artwork collected internationally. In recent years, she has also discovered great joy in teaching, leading several Southwest‑style painting workshops in the Dallas, Texas area. Seeing the excitement in a student when they “get it” remains one of the most rewarding parts of her artistic journey.