In May I’ll be exhibiting with other artists at two locations in Silicon Valley Open Studios. I’d like to introduce you, dear readers, to some of the other artists who will be showing their work, so I’ll be writing a series of posts in the weeks leading up to Open Studios..

The first artist I’d like to introduce you to is Elyse Dunnahoo. Elyse paints representationally, making beautiful images that portray her feelings about the subject she paints. I love her images for their softness and  the calmness they reflect.

Describe your artistic journey

I owned my own business, designing and manufacturing women’s cycling apparel. The business was successful, but took most of my time to manage and design the product. My husband also had a business and business partner. We had two (twins) young children. Our time was spread out too thinly, so it was decided to sell my business. I began studying classical realism (representational art) while at home with my kids. I took as many workshops and classes that I could afford and time would allow. I was extremely fortunate to study with Ted Jacobs and Tony Ryder. I copied master drawings and cast statues. I practiced drawing as often as possible, from portrait to life to still life.

Where has art taken you in life?

I traveled to Santa Fe, New Mexico and Paris, France. I studied in Paris for 6 weeks, drawing in the Louvre.

What do you think about when you begin painting?

How beautiful the still life is, lit by the North light- tender, softly blanketing the subject, and striking in appearance in its quiet beauty. My thinking, my goal, from beginning to end, is working to portray the light as I have described it.

Tell me about one of your favorite paintings or drawings that you’ve made. Why is it your favorite?

One of my favorite paintings is  The Creamery. This is one of my first paintings using the Flemish method of indirect painting. I admire insects and have a small collection of butterflies, beetles, and wasps. The butterfly in this painting is from my collection. The North light exuding calm and quiet is rendered so.

If you could ask one question of an artist you admire, who would it be, and what would you ask?

Andrew Wyeth. Describe in detail your painting technique, the lighting in your studio, your color palette.

You can see more of Elyse’s work at www.elysedunnahoo.com

Elyse Dunnahoo will be exhibiting on May 3-4  at 1191 Sherman Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025