Derek McCrea

Biography of Derek McCrea
My main gallery site is at http://www.derekmccrea.50megs.com
Derek
McCrea is visual artist and a retired US Army Infantry Soldier. He has always
loved to paint; it allows him to express emotions on paper and relax. Derek
paints in a whimsical impressionistic style in plein air settings. He was born
in Albany, Georgia on February 19, 1969. He presently resides with his wife
Sheila, of 22 years and his two sons. He first started painting with oils in the
summer of 1982. From 1982 to 1986 he painted under the instruction of Jimmy
Peterson, a well known artist from Georgia. In 1986 he won 1st place in the
Georgia Arts Exhibition. Derek joined the United States Army in 1987 and
continued self study and painting on landscape subjects in France, Holland,
Germany, Italy and Hungary, painting in the plein air style. He has completed
over 20 commissions in the past year. His art can be found in galleries
throughout the Southeastern United States and in private collections worldwide.
He has consistently donated several works every year to charities and loves to
give back to the community for a good cause. His works are published in over 50
international publications and he has received numerous awards and honors for
his work.

Artists Statement
"Art adds a balance to my life. I am compelled by nature
to emulate it's beauty through creation. When I am at my easel nothing else
matters except the moment when I escape into the painting. When a work is going
well I am filled with a sense of peace and I naturally apply with brush strokes
to a magnificent completion."