Collection: Deborah Smalley

Deborah Smalley is a visual artist and urban sketcher based in Adelaide, South Australia. With a background in graphic design—holding an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design and Advertising from Croydon TAFE—Deborah brings a refined design sensibility to her expressive ink and watercolour artworks.

Her practice centres on urban sketching, with a particular focus on capturing the nuanced character of Adelaide’s built environment and local streetscapes. She is known for documenting the “flawed beauty” of everyday scenes—historic buildings, suburban architecture, and the human presence that animates public spaces—through a distinctive sketching style that blends spontaneity with technical precision.

Deborah began sketching on location in 2020 as part of the Urban Sketchers Adelaide community, and has since developed a practice grounded in observational drawing, place-based storytelling, and a deep engagement with local heritage. She continues to refine her approach through ongoing study, including short courses in watercolour, portraiture, and identity at the Adelaide Central School of Art.

In addition to her studio work, Deborah is committed to community engagement through drawing. She leads sketching workshops in both formal and informal settings, encouraging others to observe their surroundings more deeply through the act of drawing.