Debbie Strobel

I graduated in 1977 from Auburn University with a BFA degree, specializing in graphic design. I worked as an Art Director/Graphic Designer for several advertising agencies in the southwest and later out of my home as a freelance Graphic Designer.

I think I have been drawing as long as I can remember. I experimented with many different types of media through college and my early adult years. In 2002 I took my first ever pastel class at the Arkansas Arts Center and fell in love with the medium and got rid of all my other art materials!

I have been a board member of both the Arkansas League of Artists and the Arkansas Pastel Society and a former President of APS. I have volunteered as a pastel teacher at Lifequest (senior adults) and Seis Puentes Hispanic Outreach in Arkansas. I moved to the San Francisco area in the summer of 2026 to follow my Coast Guard son and his family. I can be contacted at 501-690-3876 or at debbie.strobel@icloud.com.

Artist's Statement

I truly feel like my talent was given by God and I want to honor Him by using it to bring joy to the lives of others through my work or volunteering my time. I love the intense pure color of pastels. I even love the feel and texture of them, and don’t mind getting “messy” as I work. I use a loose but realistic style for my work. I never want my paintings to be mistaken for photographs. My favorite subjects are landscapes and animals, with the occasional still life. After a work is finished, I usually search for a verse of Scripture that reminds me of the painting, and I name it from that.


Debbie Strobel
Mighty
Overcoming
Promise
Beauty from ashes
Hill Song
Nor the Moon by Night
Natural Bridge
Red, White & Boom
Glory