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Debra Tivens

Artist Debra Tivens, originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, attended American University in Washington, D. C. as a music major. Debra took a leave from school with some of her college friends to experience a communal style of living, as did many in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, in Penuelas, Puerto Rico. She later returned to school and completed her studies in animal science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

     Having met and married her husband Lynn, they eventually settled in Calabasas, California where she has since made her home. Debra seriously began her art studies there with many different teachers, predominately focusing on the many different forms of folk art in the world.

     She was able to study with many world renowned folk artists including the famed floral painters of the Zhostovo factories of Russia. Her studies eventually led her to master painter, Jo Sonja Jansen, where she continues to paint and develop her style and creativity.

The other side of Debra’s life revolves around her family, particularly her daughter Jessica, who is an up and coming opera singer, currently under contract with Seattle, and San Francisco Opera Companies. The family’s love of opera, literature and all the arts has been a great inspiration to her for many years.

     She feels it is the diversity in her life, a very contemporary lifestyle and a huge love of the classics, that have formed her ever-evolving painting style.