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Artist Biography

Drenda paints in both watercolor and oil, employing figurative subjects within the context of a motif, in order to convey or imply multiple meanings. Primary to her work is creating a mood or presence through the use of light and contrast. The result is a contemporary work that connects with the viewer and has universal appeal.

In the summer of 1991, Drenda and her husband, moved with their three children, to Cannon Beach on the northwest coast of Oregon; where her focus changed from music to art. Initially, she explored watercolor, attaining maturity the study of instructive publications and creative application. A sales position at Windridge Gallery (1994-1999) not only affirmed her love of painting but also provided a venue in which to exhibit and sell her new artwork.

During this time, the artist produced a number of commissioned works for collectors, and also exhibited during the city?s Stormy Weather Arts Festival. In 1998, Drenda painted, To the Rock, a fine art watercolor commissioned by the city?s art committee for the cover of the Cannon Beach Magazine. In 2002, her entry was chosen in the annual poster competition for the Cannon Beach Sand Castle Contest. Recently, the artist participated as one of twelve featured northwest artists, in the Stormy Weather Arts Festival?s, 2010 Quick Draw. In the same year, her raven and brush design was selected in the Cannon Beach Arts Association logo contest. In the Cannon Beach Gallery (2004, 2009, 2010) she has shown her work in a number of juried shows as well as in docent exhibits. By invitation she held a solo exhibit in December 2010, at the City of Salem Public Library.

In 2005, Drenda took a refreshing hiatus from her career and returned to school, graduating in 2009 with a BA in Art/Art History, from Portland State University. Presently, she considers studying artists and their works, both contemporary and from the past, as pivotal to her own growth and learning process. Her study of art history is employed not only as an instructive tool, but also to stimulate her own ideas and creative development. In addition, she and her husband have traveled extensively, always using the occasion to visit art museums.

Today, the artist paints full time in her Cannon Beach studio, and volunteers at the local arts association. In September 2011,she will exhibit at the Cannon Beach Gallery, with artist Hanne Greaver, on the theme Scenes of Cannon Beach.