Mixed media artist DARLENE OLIVIA MCELROY creates works of vision and imagination in her Santa Fe studio. She fashions her richly textured, sensuous paintings using an amazing array of found objects, photo transfer, gold leaf, paint, collage, and, as she puts it, “juicy thoughts.” McElroy doesn’t just put a bunch of disparate objects on canvas or board, she excels at telling stories utilizing history, symbolism, and iconic images. Color and texture constantly inspire her and she’s something of a magician as she conjures up new techniques that add depth and interest to her exceptional work.
Darlene McElroy was born and raised in Southern California and is descended from an old New Mexico family of artists and storytellers. Visions of summers spent growing up on her family’s Santa Fe ranch, with its “rich tapestry of Hispanic life,” dance constantly in her head and influence her work.“There’s something about the look people had in old photos, the life an object had before it landed in my hands, the honoring of what came before and how all of this can be reinterpreted . . . I think I am part magpie. There is something about a corroded piece of metal, an old button, keys, the odd things that make me want to take [them] to a new place.”
This weekend, November 14-15, Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday 11-4, McElroy will be participating in the Santa Fe Studio Tour. She and artists MARY PARKER (acrylic and oil demented still lives) and LINDA FILHARDT (monoprints) invite you to stop by, enjoy treats and special studio pricing. Go to http://www.santafestudiotour.com for a list of participating artists. McElroy’s studio is #15—directions are on the website, or you can call 505-471-8300.
To see more of McElroy’s images, for technique tips and workshop dates, to read her blog or purchase books and videos, visit her website at http://darleneoliviamcelroy.com.
-- Rosemary Carstens
Carstens Communications
Carstens Communications
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