I originally started painting at a point in my life when things were not going well for me personally. During that period there was confusion and uncertainty, and I was searching for something that would give me inner joy and strength and a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. I found that joy and accomplishment, and even serenity through painting.

I’ve been told by many people that my paintings have a calm and serene feeling, and maybe that is because I do find painting for me to be almost a spiritual experience at times. It is an honor and a privilege that I can express myself through painting and I hope that you will want to come back to this site again and again to view my work.

I am primarily a self-taught pastel, oil and acrylic painter. I originally started painting with watercolor in 1995. During that period I studied under local Santa Barbara art teachers Thomas Van Stein, Michael Drury, Rick Stitch, Tom Henderson, and Cathy Quiel. Recently I had the privilege of painting on location with Manny Lopez who is a member of the Santa Barbara Oak Group and who was featured on Huel Howser’s “California’s Gold.”

I am a featured pastel artist in the recently published journal "Best of California Artists and Artisans, Vol. 1" by Kennedy Publishing and received an honorable mention in the pastel category. My paintings have sold throughout California and abroad.

You can currently find my work at the Faulkner Gallery, and I normally show at Gallery 113 as well as the Weldon Art Ranch, and Santa Barbara Arts. I have recently had paintings at the Faculty Club at the University of California, Santa Barbara, at the Maritime Museum Exhibit. UCSB has purchased one of my paintings and has it on permanent display in the Earth Science Department.

If you would like to purchase one of my original paintings or a high-quality, archival print, please contact me at debbiewatts.fineart@gmail.com or you may call me at 805-729-3212 directly with any questions.

Debbie Watts

Debbie Watts and Martha