Debra Ward is a Canadian artist born in Banff, Alberta. She has explored nature in all its wildness ever since. Her light filled oil paintings reflect what she loves; folds of land and the fresh waterways, primal forest and the sweeping prairie. This rich wellspring is close at hand, year round.

“Life is better when you have a sustaining practice that holds your desire, demands attention and requires effort. Find a plot of ground that satisfies the wish to work and create, and by doing so, rule over an imagined world of your own.”

Debra received her BFA, with scholarship award from the Alberta University of Arts. She was then hired to teach painting and drawing skills in the Extensions department. There she honed her considerable teaching skills and has conducted studio classes, numerous workshops and artist-in-residencies all over Western Canada.

She is a juried member in several art associations; foremost the the Alberta Society of Artists. Formed in 1931, the ASA is the longest running group of juried professional artists in Alberta.

A regular participant in shows and plein air events across Alberta, Debra’s artwork has been profiled in Avenue magazine, the Calgary Herald and on Shaw TV. She was part of the film 'On the Edge:The Nature of Risk, airing on the Discovery Channel.

Debra’s paintings are held in many private and public collections in North America.

When it’s right, the painting is not limited to itself. It’s a very special condition when art transcends from blobs of paint into being something else. I’m interested in that.