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Artist Statement
Art has always been part of my life, experimenting with various mediums, but it wasn’t until I retired that I was able to pursue it seriously. My interest in colored pencil started when I took community college classes at Peninsula College, supplemented by workshops and online classes. I started drawing dogs by using my own two beautiful malamutes as subjects, and expanded to cats, sloths and geckos! My love for dogs motivates me the most, and as a volunteer with Welfare for Animals Guild (WAG), I have lots of subjects. In doing commissioned work, I am rewarded constantly with the owner’s appreciation, especially when it is a pet that has passed on. My goal is to bring the essence of the animal to life with my drawings, and to capture that sparkle, gentleness, and spirit that is unique to each beloved pet.
I have exhibited at the Clallam County Fair, at WAG events, and as a member of OPAA. I meet weekly with my art buddies, (all of whom provide professional and moral support) at Dee Green’s “Studio by the Creek”. I have been inspired by my husband, artist Terry Grasteit, and family and friends who constantly support and encourage me. I am very grateful and humbled for this recognition by the public, especially being surrounded by such accomplished OPAA artists!
Artist Biography
After a long career in administration and education, I am enjoying retirement, which allows more time for art and working with the Welfare for Animals Guild (WAG), which provides inspiration for some of my drawings. I have practiced art most of my life in various mediums, and have taken a number of workshops and classes in colored pencil, water color and pastel with Marina Shipova, Catherine Mix, Carol Janda, and Susan Spar, and most recently with Eileen Sorg, who inspired me with her amazing and whimsical animal drawings/paintings. I have received recognition for work entered into the Clallam County Fair and for the last eight years have been concentrating on animal portraiture, taking commissions professionally after retirement from Peninsula College. My work, under “Summerwood Studio” has been commissioned by pet owners in Washington State, California, and Oklahoma.
I may be contacted at 360-681-5127 or by email: grasteit@olypen.com