Marcy L. Wheeler
Lafayette, California
In the last many years, I have added plein air painting to the studio work that I do. It keeps me fresh and struggling, trying to see and understand the enormous task of letting nature permeate and change me. Usually the plein air work I do is small, as is necessary if you are hauling all you need to paint over rough terrain. This creek painting is a cross between studio and plein air work. Exploding a smaller study, painting this piece was an experience of flying color and shape. The painting is inspired by a very specific and special place, an important watershed in my life.
¨I have a BFA in Painting from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.
¨My painting mentor was Louise Smith, who I studied with for many years after finding her through an evening class at UC Berkeley.
¨I have exhibited at the Bedford Gallery, Pro Arts, Lafayette Gallery, Moraga Gallery, Studio 7 in Pleasanton, Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery, The Edible Complex in Oakland, Davis Bynum Winery, Vincent’s Ear, John Muir Hospital, Window of Opportunity in Theatre Square, Papillion in Lafayette, Chow in Lafayette, and at my bakeries, Toot Sweets in Lafayette and Berkeley.
¨I started teaching painting acrylic painting techniques in 2002.
¨I opened the Lafayette Studio in February of 2005, in co-operation with the Lamorinda Arts Alliance, to provide the community with a place for local artists to work together, teaching and learning, in various mediums. I am hoping to create a vital environment for artists to find stimulation and support for their work.
