Diane McClary

Artist Statement

In my paintings color and feeling are the two most important principles.  I prefer to paint primarily from real life, either plein air paintings of landscapes or still life set ups.  I work both in my studio and outside on location. For me, capturing the color of the light as it is observed and recreating that image in the painting is a fascinating process.  With each painting, I strive to create a different and exciting color harmony.  When I paint outdoors, experiencing the sounds of nature, the fragrance of the air, and the feeling of moving breeze all contribute to achieving an emotional effect.

Artist Biography

Diane McClary graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Washington, with a major in teaching and art. Later, she studied with the internationally recognized Impressionist artist, Sergei Bongart, and his associates, Ron Lukas, Sonny Apinchapong, Delber Gish and Ovanes Berberian.

Diane has participated in many plein air events and exhibited in solo venues in Washington, California, Colorado and at the Frye Art Museum in Seattle and The Clymer Art Museum in Ellensburg, Washington.  She has taught painting in Washington, California, and Florida, as well as several countries abroad. Currently she is teaching at the Palm Springs Art Museum, doing workshops locally in the Palm Springs area, and demonstrating for many art groups.  She is a member of Women Painters of Washington and California Art Club.

Work Description

Diane McClary Studio

When working on location, Diane paints small plein air sketches of scenes that she finds interesting in subject matter and color. Her work is distinguished by her unique use of color and impressionistic brushwork. In her studio work, she uses the small sketches as examples for larger canvases up to 36×48 inches.  The larger canvases are in some cases commissioned works, where the subject matter is usually the client’s choice of scene.

As a desert painter for 10 years, many of her paintings reflect her love of the desert, and its unique palette of colors and quality of light.  Recently her work has expanded to a variety of California scenes, including water-scapes, the missions and the vineyards of central and northern California.  She also enjoys creating large floral paintings, using flowers from her garden for the subject matter. As a former resident of Washington state, her paintings still include scenes of her favorite places in the Pacific Northwest, and she also returns to subjects related to her extended travels abroad for inspiration.

Awards/Recognition

• Borrego Springs Art Institute People Choice Exhibit 2010
• Borrego Springs Invitational Plein Air Exhibit 2010
• First Place Quick Draw Plein Air Portrait Painting, Tukwilla, Washington 2010
• Commissioner’s Choice Award, Federal Way City Hall, Washington, 2009
• Peoples’s Choice Award, Washington Women Painters, Columbia Center, Washington 2008
• Clymer Art Museum, Ellensburg, Washington, Purchase Award 2001
• Two Artist Exhibit, Clymer Art Museum, 2000
• Frye Art Museum, Instructors’ Exhibit 1999

Diane McClary
www.dianemcclary.com

Diane McClary Gallery