For local artist Deb Kirkeeide, art has been a lifelong journey. A graphic designer by trade, Kirkeeide has found her niche painting animals and nature. “I always loved animals and exploring in the woods,” she says.
It was 12 years ago in an oil impressionist class at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts that Kirkeeide honed her painting skills. Committed, she quit her day job in pursuit of becoming a full-time artist. Soon, commission requests were popping up from around the country, particularly for portraits of furry and four-legged family members.
While she mostly sells her art online, Kirkeeide currently has work featured in a Boston gallery, and in the past, she’s been part of the Lake Minnetonka Studio Arts Tour. Recently, Kirkeeide painted a collection titled “The Dog Days of Summer,” which features a varied group of dog portraits. While she loves to experiment, Kirkeeide says, “I have made art a part of my everyday life, and I keep gravitating towards animals.” Check out Kirkeeide’s work on her website and on social media.
