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."