Debbie Walker of Southern California on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Debbie Walker. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Debbie, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I wake up at 5-5:30 Meditation
Most days 6:30 am short yoga session and 2 mile am walk
Matcha and turn on lights in my studio, clean studio desk, and prepare for the day

Answer emails, youtube comments, Patreon comments, IG comments.

Start painting working on new tutorials, reels, shorts. Prepare for the days classes if any.
I create my posts, and content, videos first half of day and edit the second half. This is time consumoing and takes me a while.

Noon 2 mile walk or gym.

4 pm close up studio, 2 mile walk around pond, dinner and check emails, messages one more time.
Bath, read, occasion yoga for stretching 20 mins, meditate, 15 mins.
Read a bit and plan for the next day.

Watch a couple comedies, Old School Frasier or Seinfield, plan a bit for the next day, follow up on what I completed today.

In bed lights off by 11 pm.

Tuesdays I stay with Mom to help for the day/night.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Debbie Walker — watercolor artist, teacher, and creator of Debbie Walker Art.

Through my YouTube channel, Patreon community, IG, and online courses, I help beginners discover the joy and ease of watercolor by creating from inspiration, not perfection. My work blends art, mindfulness, and nature — reminding people that creativity is healing, playful, and available to everyone.

What makes my brand special is its heart. I teach in a way that feels personal and joyful — like painting beside a friend. I believe watercolor should be fun, approachable, and full of happy accidents. My tagline, ‘Darling, YOU are an Artist™,’ is both a reminder and an invitation — to trust your creativity, let go of fear, and celebrate your own beautiful expression.

Right now, I’m working on new tutorials, eBooks, and creative projects that merge watercolor, nature, and simple mindful living — all with the hope of helping others find peace, confidence, and joy through art.🌸

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Without question, it was Ray.
He saw me as an artist long before I ever believed it myself. He’s always told me how good I am — how my art inspires others and brings joy to so many people. Even in moments when I doubted my path, he never did.

Ray has always supported and encouraged me to share my work, to teach, and to do what I love. He believed in my art — and in me — before I truly saw it for myself. And that faith changed everything.” 🌸

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there have been times I almost give up.
Like so many creators, I’ve faced moments when the criticism, comparisons, or pressure to please everyone felt overwhelming. It can be discouraging to pour so much heart, time, and effort into something you love — and still feel like it’s never enough for everyone.

There are days when I work long hours, earn very little, and feel the weight of trying to make people happy. But what always brings me back is remembering why I started — to inspire, to create, and to help others see the beauty and peace that watercolor can bring. Those moments of connection, joy, and encouragement from my community always remind me that it’s worth it. 🌷

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely — without a doubt, yes.
Maybe to a fault! I’m authentic, raw, and real — always. What you see is truly who I am, with all my goofs, oopsies, and unpolished moments. I don’t chase perfection or heavy editing. I show up as myself — genuine, imperfect, and full of heart — because that’s what real creativity looks like to me.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop worrying about being everything to everyone.
I’d stop chasing acceptance from everyone, stop overworking, and stop measuring my worth by numbers — followers, income, or approval.

I’ve spent so much of my life trying to make things ‘enough’ — for others, for the world, for myself. But if I had just 10 years, I’d pour that energy into presence — painting, family, my garden, morning light, laughter, and creating things that bring peace and joy.

I’d let go of the pressure and hold onto what’s real: love, creativity, connection, and the beauty of simple, ordinary days.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Ray Zambroski
Debbie Walker

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