Paul Michael Lubbering

May 7, 1968 – October 20, 2026

Paul Michael Lubbering, a beloved brother, artist, and teacher whose paintings celebrated the color and beauty of Texas, died October 20, 2026, at the age of 58. He was born May 7, 1968, to Louis Paul Lubbering Jr. and Marilyn Schmoekel Lubbering.

Paul loved color. In his Texana landscapes, that love took shape in bluebonnet fields, spreading trees, luminous skies, and the rich blues, greens, and purples of the Texas countryside. His paintings have been likened to those of the Onderdonk family, reflecting his place in a much-loved Texas landscape tradition. To the people who knew him, Paul was a wonderful painter, and his work gave them lasting reasons to admire his gift.

Art was part of Paul’s family life and became a way for him to share what he saw with others. His father, known to generations of students as “Mr. Lube,” was both a celebrated artist and an art professor at UIW and IWHS. Paul carried that family tradition forward through his own painting and teaching. He graduated from the University of the Incarnate Word with a bachelor’s degree in fine art.

In its 2005 Best of San Antonio issue, the San Antonio Current recognized Paul and his father among readers’ choices for best teacher and featured their family’s contributions to the city’s arts community. The article described Paul’s work at the San Antonio School for Inquiry and Creativity, as well as the small-group art classes the family offered at its gallery on the San Antonio Riverwalk, at their residence in King William, and on Myrtle Street.

One of Paul’s proudest achievements was the sale of his painting Flowering Cactus for $4,500 at Vogt Auctions in October 2025. The recognition meant a great deal to him. For his family and those who admired his paintings, it was a public affirmation of a talent they had long treasured.

Paul was preceded in death by his father, Louis P. Lubbering; his mother, Marilyn Lubbering; and his son’s mother, Malou Manges. He is survived by his son, James Vaughn Lubbering; his brother, Karl James Lubbering; his sisters, Julie Lubbering and Sarah Sides; and his brother-in-law, Jesse Kanner.

The eldest grandchild on both his mother’s and his father’s sides, Paul held a special place in his very large family. He was beloved by them all, and his memory and paintings will remain treasured parts of their lives.

Funeral and memorial service details will be announced when arrangements are complete.

Paul leaves a legacy of color: paintings that invite us to pause, look closely, and see the Texas landscape through his eyes.

“Now he is truly guided by the Master’s Hand.”
— His family, at the time of his passing