Women’s History Month in Dunedin Featuring Debbie Lewis

Photo byDebbie Lewis

The Dunedin Daily continues to highlight local female entrepreneurs in honor of Women’s History Month! Today we’ll chat with Debbie Lewis, a local watercolor artist best known for her incredible doggy portraits. If you were a reader back when I was still writing for the Patch, you may recall that Debbie painted a beautiful piece for me a year ago after my dog passed away from cancer.

Continue reading to learn more about Debbie’s artwork, and what local business resources she finds useful.

Tell us about your business! Who inspired you to become a business owner?

Debbie Lewis: I became an artist in the last 90s. As I was mainly learning from books and videos on my own, selling my art was the furthest thing from my mind. But when a friend asked me how much I wanted for 3 of my paintings, a light bulb went off. It was the first moment I realized that I was able to create paintings that made people happy and that they wanted to be part of their lives so they could smile every day they looked at them. This was the best feeling in the world and what has kept me going, creating new images all year round.

What’s it like being a female entrepreneur in Dunedin?

Debbie Lewis: I don’t have my own storefront, but I do have two locations in Dunedin where I sell my art. One is at Studio 1212 Art Gallery, a co-op art gallery with 25 other talented artists. The other is a display rack at Veskolini Cafe, where the owners have been gracious enough to give me a long-term place to display and sell my art, along with the father of the wife who also displays and sells his work there.

Both venues have a steady stream of customers who love coming to these establishments because they are friendly and full of great art (and coffee and pastries!).

Have you used any outside resources to help you get started?

Debbie Lewis: The Dunedin Chamber of Commerce is a great resource for anyone who has a business in Dunedin. They have regular networking events and many other opportunities to work with other business owners.

Is there anything else you want to add?

Debbie Lewis: I do special commissions — that means if you want a portrait of your doggie (or kittie) or a painting of a special place, just send me photos to work from and I will give you a quote. I also hold a monthly print giveaway and run occasional discounts on my prints. To learn about these and get first dibs on my new originals, you just need to subscribe to my newsletter at https://www.debbielewiswatercolors.com/newsletter-sign-up.

I have also started giving watercolor lessons in Largo. For more information, please email me at debbieellen.lewis@gmail.com. You can also see my work on Facebook and on Instagram.

Studio 1212 will have its next reception on April 21st.