Biography
Relocated from Texas to New Mexico, in 1976, it was here in the Land of Enchantment that Denise Imke finally found both the opportunity and inspiration to pursue her lifelong interest in art. Exploring many and varied mediums, such as watercolor, pastel, pen & ink, and silver smith, Denise has always and inevitably returned to her first love - that of oil painting.
While working in several different genres, from detailed portraiture to impressionistic landscapes, the classical still-life remains her favorite. However, Denise has often taken her easel out on location to discover the joy and challenges of painting the beautiful and ever-changing landscapes of New Mexico.
After completing her early art training at both New Mexico Junior College and Eastern New Mexico University, Denise Imke went on to study with such accomplished and well-known artists as: Robert Liberace, Cynthia Roland, Qiang Huang, Ben Konis, Lois Easley, Vickie Clark, Tom Darrah, and Ann Mann. In 2003, Denise received a merit scholarship to the Scottsdale Artists' School, in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she studied with Sherrie McGraw. Denise is an associate member of Oil Painters of America and was twice awarded the Shirl Smithson Scholarship by this organization.
"After painting for over thirty years," Denise states, "I feel that I have only scratched the surface. Art is an extremely important part of my life, and certainly the most fun."
Awards & Exhibitions
2018 - Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibition, Mary Williams Fine Art, Boulder, Co
2018 - Awarded the Shirl Smithson Scholarship, Oil Painters of America
2014 - Awarded the Shirl Smithson Scholarship, Oil Painters of America
2013 - "Best of the Best" Invitational Art Show & Sale, Breckenridge Fine Art Center, Breckenridge, Tx
2013 - Awarded the Shirl Smithson Scholarship, Oil Painters of America
2012 - Salon International Juried Art Show, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, Tx
2012 - "Best of the Best" Invitational Art Show, Breckenridge Fine Art Center, Breckenridge, Tx
2012 - Breckenridge Fine Art Center Juried Show, Breckenridge, Tx
2012 - Bienalle Grande Juried Art Show, Hubbard Museum of the American West, Ruidoso Downs, NM
2011 - "Best of the Best" Invitational Art Show, Breckenridge Fine Art Center, Breckenridge, Tx
2011 - Breckenridge Fine Art Center Juried Art Show, Breckenridge, Tx, Honorable Mention
2003 - "Best & Brightest", Scottsdale Artists' School, Scottsdale Arizona
2019 - Oil Painters of America Western Regional Exhibition, Mark Arts,Wichita, Kansas