The Artist Behind the Brush

Have you been wondering who this person is behind the paintbrush?  My name is Denise Every.  I've lived in the Hudson Valley region in upstate New York all my life.  My family has resided in this area since the 1600s.

Many people hear "New York" and think "Big City" and don't realize how much of this lovely state is rural and wild.  Where else can you run to Staples and grab a Big Mac and watch a bald eagle soar overhead while you're crossing the Hudson (and manage not to drive off the bridge while you're watching it!).

The valley has a rich prehistory and history...one of the things we're famous for (not me, yet, alas and alack) is the Hudson Valley School of Art, a group of artists in the 1800s who painted landscapes of the area, from the Hudson River to the Catskill Mountains, and everything in between. 

One well-known artist from that school was Frederick Church, who built a beautiful neo-Persian style house he named Olana, perched high on a very steep hill (or very squashed mountain) with a fabulous view of the Hudson.  I live just a few minutes from Olana, and find a lot of inspiration for paintings there. 

One of my earliest memories is wanting to be an artist so I could draw horses, and I have to confess for many years that's about all I did draw.  My mother would say things like, draw a cat!  I'd say.. I can't!  My mother is happy to see that I can now paint things other than horses. 

I've studied art throughout my life in one form or another, in school and college, and privately with some excellent mentors... and learned a whole lot on my own... and there is always so much more to learn and discover and try.  I'm also intensely interested in medicine and science, and have worked in both spheres throughout my career.  

Another great passion in my life are my Chinese Shar-Pei dogs...I won't bore you by telling you what marvelous creatures they are, it's probably as bad as cornering people and showing them pictures of your kids (maybe worse! <G>).  If you're also hooked on Pei, there is a great Yahoo group devoted to these incredible dogs... SharPei-Health-Education.

In the past I've entered and won shows and awards, and didn't win a lot, too :)  These days I'm far less interested in the competitive aspects and have put my focus on doing some things that are immensely fulfilling. 

One part of that is donating a percentage of my work towards animal charities.  The charities I choose to support are those who are run by all-volunteer staffs, no-kill shelters, and rescue groups who are often small and unnoticed, but intensely devoted to the animals they take in. 

I am grateful to the many people who collect my art, from all over the United States and internationally as well, and am especially grateful to those who have supported my charity auctions so generously. 

If you've managed to stick with me this far, I thank you for your interest and perseverance! :)   If you've got suggestions for painting ideas, a favorite breed or animal you'd like to see, or would like information about custom artwork, please feel free to contact me at any time.