Michael Pabst Biography

An Arizona native, I have a deep and real appreciation for the Southwest landscape. A love of fine art combined with a background in structural engineering, provided me with the essential tools to make my passion for painting successful.

I spent countless hours quietly watching and studying my father, artist Charles H. Pabst, as he painted. With an intense desire to learn, I took full advantage of this unique opportunity and began painting at a very young age. At only 15, I sold my first painting at El Presidio Gallery in Tucson. By 17, I was a featured artist at the Voita Gallery on Main Street in Scottsdale, AZ. Showing and selling my work at the Rosenquist Gallery in Tucson helped to finance my college education.

After receiving my degree in Structural Engineering from the University of Arizona, I worked briefly in both the design and construction elements of architecture, building several spec homes in the Tucson area. Eventually I was able to return to my true love of painting. “Studying structure and physics actually gave me a solid background for ‘building’ a painting, especially design and perspective. I have always been creative and love to build and make things. I enjoyed designing and building homes, but always continued painting. Painting brings all the things I love together.”

I now live in Tempe, AZ with my wife Kathryn and six children.