I am fortunate to live in an area of natural beauty-the Missouri Ozarks. I came here because I wanted to be able to walk out my door and find inspiration ready at hand. I think that to be a success in life, you need to figure out what moves you, then figure out how to share that with the rest of the world. If you can do those two things, you are a success regardless of being rich or poor, famous or unknown.
I consider myself an impressionist painter. To me, impressionism means taking inspiration directly from nature, trusting what you see and feel rather than what you think you know. It implies faithfully trying to capture the essence of a person, place or time through the use of light. It is realism informed by intuition. For me it is the best way to share the joy and beauty I find in the natural world.
As a kid I drew all the time. Now I paint whenever I can find the time. It gives me a way to respond to my envirionment, and to communicate my view of things to others. I especially enjoy teaching and working with people of all ages who are looking for some creative support.
I graduated with a fine arts degree from Stanford University in 1972. I began as a graphic designer, gradually going into book publication and illustration. During that time I began to take some workshops, and realized I was heading back to my roots in painting.
Over the last twenty years I've studied with top artists including Frank Webb, Robert E. Wood, Millard Sheets, Zoltan Szabo,Carole Barnes, Harley Brown (pastel), Kevin MacPherson and Matt Smith (oils). In 1983, after having several one-man and group shows in the Denver area, I moved to Willow Springs in the Southern Missouri Ozarks. Since then I have continued to work in oils, pastels and watermedia. I presently divide my time between painting and teaching workshops.
My work has won numerous awards in art competitions. It is found in both private and corporate collections internationally. I am a signature member of the National Oil and Acrylics Painters Society (NOAPS), a member of Rocky Mountain Plein Air Painters and Oil Painters of America, and an Artist Member of Tucson Plein Air Painters Society.
Galleries
William Lester Gallery, Pt. Reyes Station, CA
Nichols/Taos Gallery, Taos, NM
El Presidio Gallery, Tucson, AZ
Walnut Street Gallery, Springfield, MO
Ozark Gallery, Willow Springs, MO
Recent Shows
National Oil and Acrylic Painting Society Show 05, 04, 03
Plein Air 2005, 2006 National Show
Rocky Mountain Plein Air Members Show 2005
Pt. Reyes Plein Air Invitational 2005
Tucson Plein Air Artist Members Show 2005
OPA Midwest Regional Show 11/03
Carmel Plein Air Competition 5/03
Recent Awards
First Place, NW Arkansas Art Show 2005
First Place, Plein Air 2005 National Show
Award of Merit, Tucson Plein Air Members Show 2005
Best Color and Light Award and Jurors Award, National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society 2004
Best of Show, Arts Rolla 2004
Award of Merit, Tubac Art Center Members Juried Show, 2004
Museum Purchase, Desert Museum Plein Air 2003
Honorable Mention, Tubac Plain Air Competition 2003
It's always fun to get feedback on my work. Please email me: mcclure172_gmail.com
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