About the Artist, Debra Henkener

The Log Cabin is both my art studio and our home. We live in rural Auglaize County which is rich in Native American history. A woods stretches out behind the cabin with a large herb garden nestled in between. Our front yard is a large pond stocked with fresh water fish. We also own a mountain top in southern Ohio, called Sunshine Ridge. The valley below the ridge is “Moon Hollow“: the title of my first book. Inspiration for my art is centered in my wonderful family, supportive friends, and in the rustic setting that surrounds my every day life. I have been truly blessed by the creator!

My art education is broad. My parents encouraged me to develop my art skills from a very early age. Craig & I had both majored in Commercial Art at The Ohio State University. I also graduated from Norman Rockwell’s Famous Artists' School. In 1988, I began taking "tole painting" classes with friend, Vera Collier. Our first teacher was Linda Barry, who pushed us to design and teach classes. Eventually, I began taking classes offered through painting chapters and conventions. After many years of hard work, I’ve become an advanced artist in acrylics, watercolors, oils, pastels, charcoal, and pencil.

Writing and publishing over 200 instructional packets has been a challenge at times but so very gratifying! I have authored three decorative painting books, published by Prudy's Studio. Vera & I co-authored “Shivering Heights“. I also write an occasional magazine article and have designed a line of products offered exclusively in this web site.

My art affiliations include: Society of Decorative Painters, Ohio Heirlooms of Tomorrow Society, Heart of Ohio Tole Chapter, and Lima Area Watercolor Society, where I have served in many offices. I was the Art Director for the 2004 HOOT convention. I have been serving as a Decorative Arts judge for the Ohio State Fair and the Auglaize County Fair. I’ve also received many awards from fairs, fine art shows, and convention art shows.

I am a Published Helping Artist/Designer for the DecoArt Co., Winsor & Newton Co., and Loew-Cornell Brush Co. They continue to give me their generous support, providing paint and brushes for designing, demonstrating, and teaching purposes.

I hope you enjoy your tour through the Log Cabin and will stop back often to check those updates, sales or just to say, “Hi!”

God Bless!…………………………Deb

Decorative painters tell me they love the expressive faces on my signature snowmen, Santas, bugs, and frogs. Whether they are sweet and innocent, joyful, mischievous, or just goofy, my faces come from the heart (and a really weird mind!)

On the other hand, my fine art friends tell me they love my watercolor paintings best! Although, I work in many other mediums, Landscapes, animals,and the natural world are my favorite subjects.You will see these and more at Log Cabin! Visit this site often to take advantage of fantastic free projects, neat new packets and books, a multitude of magazine articles, super sales, and irresistible information on the Frog Blog! Sit down, grab your favorite beverage and browse to your heart's content! My cabin is your cabin!

Where am I? I sometimes wonder myself! Check out the Schedule for trade shows and teaching engagements, where I will be held hostage. Please request contract information via e-mail, letter, or telephone. All of this information is in the Contact area of the site.

Are you on information overload, yet?  Feel free to contact me via e-mail. I will be posting things regularly on the Frog Blog. Please let me know specifically, if you want to share your name and city along with your painting tips, recipes, clean jokes, or impressions of my site.