Artist Debbie Gallerani pulls from a tapestry of influences to create a charming portfolio of whimsical paintings.

“Wild Hare Dreams” mixed media, 12″ x 12″

Remember The Archies? I grew up with those spirited teenagers in the 1960s—Archie, Reggie, Betty, Veronica, and of course, Jughead. They weren’t just comic characters to me; they were the early sparks that shaped my dreams of becoming a cartoonist.

“Cat on a Red Rug” mixed media, 14″ x 18″

As far back as I can remember, I wanted to have a syndicated comic strip of my own. My mother encouraged that dream by buying rolls of butcher paper, which we spread across the floor of my bedroom so I could draw to my heart’s content. My grandmother provided a different kind of treasure: stacks of light blue paper from my grandfather’s construction work. One side was covered with type, but the other was blank—and perfect for my endless doodles.

I filled those pages with whatever danced through my imagination. Although I never achieved national syndication, my cartoons found their way into local newspapers, company advertisements, and, eventually, my fine art. The Archies may have lit the spark, but they were just the beginning of a long line of artistic influences.

Growing up in Palm Springs in the 1960s meant being surrounded by a vibrant blend of cultures and aesthetics. Spanish and Mexican art and architecture were everywhere, infusing the town with warm, vivid colors and rustic textures. I was—and still am—deeply drawn to those earthy tones and handcrafted details, which frequently appear in my folk-art.

And then, of course, there were the cowboys. Living in the desert meant encountering both the real and the romanticized West. Horseback riding stables, and dusty trails existed alongside art galleries filled with dreamy desertscapes and wranglers on horseback. That rustic spirit found its way into my paintings as fanciful cowgirls framed by rich desert palettes.

By the 1970s, my influences expanded again when I lived on the California coast during my high school years. Bohemian culture merged seamlessly with the surfer atmosphere, and my art reflected this spirit with bold colors, psychedelic intricacy, and dreamlike imagery.

“Hi Fi Quail Jive” mixed media, 24″ x 12″

Another major influence has recently reemerged in my work: mid-century modern design. Alongside the Spanish architecture of Palm Springs, sleek modernist buildings once dominated banks, stores, and homes. I was fascinated by those clean geometric lines, strategic pops of color, and streamlined shapes.

Years later, during visits to Borrego Springs, I rediscovered this aesthetic. Borrego, an International Dark Sky Community, is a haven for preservation and design. I stumbled upon House of Borrego, a delightful shop specializing in vintage mid-century treasures. My mid-century modern style emerged as I began creating bold, graphic illustrations of desert animals. Shop owner Elizabeth Rodriguez immediately embraced my work, leading to being a permanent part of her store and showing in two solo and two group exhibitions.

Today, living in the sun-drenched desert of Tucson, Arizona, I can trace each layer of my artistic journey—from blue paper doodles to modern desert animals, from cowgirls to colorful folk art. Every place, era, and influence has woven itself into a vibrant tapestry that keeps my creativity alive and endlessly curious.