Debra Joy Groesser was born in England and has lived in the Ralston, Nebraska area since 1970. She earned her BFA degree in painting 1978. After college, she worked as a graphic designer, then free lanced for a few years. After a career "detour" into real estate sales, she returned to her art full time in 1996, operating Groesser Art Studio out of her home. The following year, with the support and encouragement of her husband, Don, she opened Windsong Gallery and Studio (now Debra Groesser Fine Art) in downtown Ralston, which houses her studio/gallery.
Debra's love of art goes back to her early childhood. Although she paints a variety of subjects, her main focus is landscape (particularly plein air) and portraits in oils. Plein air painting allows her to combine her love of the outdoors, nature and travel with her love of oil painting. She enjoys the challenge of painting from life, capturing the light, color, and atmosphere in her subjects.
Debra has participated in many juried and invitational shows, including the Salon International Juried Exhibitions at Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio (Honorable Mention awards, 2009, 2011), Montgomery Museum of Fine Art Auctions, Oil Painters of America Central and Western Region Juried Exhibitions, American Impressionist Society National Juried Exhibitions, Carmel Art Festival (Honorable Mention, 2009), Laguna Plein Air Invitational and Door County (Wisconsin) Plein Air Festival, and Plein Air Artists Colorado Juried Exhibitions (1st place, Signature Members 2009). She has illustrated three children's books. Debra frequently speaks about art at local organizations, libraries and schools. She has taught art classes and workshops for nearly 15 years and currently teaches for Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha.
Debra is a signature member of the American Impressionist Society, Plein Air Artists Colorado, and American Plains Artists. She is an associate member of Oil Painters of America, Landscape Artists International, and American Women Artists. Her artwork hangs in private and corporate collections across the US and abroad.
Debra is represented by SouthWind Gallery, Topeka, Kansas; and Mountainsong Galleries, Carmel, California. In Nebraska, her work is available through The Designers, Omaha; Soaring Wings Winery, Springfield; and Debra Groesser Fine Art, Ralston.
Deb shares her life with her husband Don, their five grown children, six grandsons and a granddaughter.
