There is a quiet thoughtfulness to the work of D. LaRue Mahlke. Her paintings convey a sense of restfulness and peace that reflect the spiritual connection she feels for the landscape. "My desire is to express through my paintings and drawings, the emotional impact that I feel in my experience of being in nature, rejoicing and delighting in God's creation. My hope is to give the viewer a deeper sense of connectivity to the beauty of nature and the joy that I find in Him."Denise has been drawing most of her life, beginning when she was just a toddler. Encouraged by her family, she took art lessons when she was quite young, then later studied with artists she admired and respected through workshops. "Most artists I have met and studied with are very warm and giving people. Through the years, I have been truly blessed to have learned from a number of outstanding artists, who have become my colleagues and friends."She continues to gain national recognition for her pastel paintings, which have been featured in numerous publications, including Western Art & Architecture, Southwest Art, Plein Air, and Pastel Journal. She has been twice honored as winner of the First Place award in Landscape with the Art Renewal Center's International Salon. In 2013, she was awarded the Gold Medal for works on paper and Best of Show award at the Phoenix Art Museum's West Select show.Denise is a Master Signature member of American Women Artists, a Signature member of the Pastel Society of America, and an Out-of-State-Artist member of the California Art Club.Memberships and AssociationsAmerican Women Artists, Master Signature MemberPastel Society of America, Signature MemberCalifornia Art Club, Out-of-State MemberAmerican Impressionist Society, Associate Member