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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 the inspiration to pursue her lifelong interest in art. Exploring many and varied mediums, such as watercolor, pastel, pen & ink, and silversmith, 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 went on to study with such accomplished and well-known artists as: Qiang Huang, Ben Konis, Lois Easley, Vickie Clark, Tom Darrah, and Ann Mann. In 2003, Denise received a merit scholarship to the prestigious Scottsdale Artists’ School, in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she studied with nationally acclaimed artist, Sherrie McGraw.  And it was while at the Scottsdale Artists’ School that one of Denise’s paintings, entitled Copper Pot was juried and accepted to appear on exhibit in its annual “Best and Brightest” show.  In 2010, Denise became an associate member of “Oil Painters of America”, a national organization dedicated to representational oil painters.  Denise was also juried into the Salon International – 2012 in San Antonio, Texas.

“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.” Denise’s paintings have been exhibited throughout the Southwest.