Diane Burchette-Gomez is a graduate of Parsons’ School of Design for Illustration and Eugene Lang College for Social Psychology. After college she worked for her family’s Gourmet Food and Gift company, Aunt Sally’s Praline Shops, in New Orleans, Louisiana; meanwhile, creating art for herself.

38 years of life experiences led Diane to oil painting. “The feel of my brush gliding across a taut canvas, like it was ice skating, is intoxicating.” She became obsessed and quit her retail job to paint full time. 

Teresa Lynn Johnson, an artist based in New Mexico, has been refining her oil painting expertise for many years, with a focus on western landscapes and both wild and domestic animals. Teresa was born in Coleman, Texas, and spent her formative years living on a secluded four-hundred-acre farm, where she engaged with animals and explored nature daily. This environment fostered her love for wildlife and natural settings.

Jessie Rasche is a professional artist who paints in her Brookings home studio, and out on dusty farm roads. 

Growing up in Seattle as the only child of an artist, Jessie got a lot of encouragement for her creative endeavors, and studied Fine Art at the Pacific Northwest College of Art. 

Even so, a career path as an artist wasn’t clear and Jessie went back to school in Psychology and general sciences before a short career in social work, and then as an illustrator and media developer.

16 years ago, with family encouragement, Jessie followed her dreams of becoming a professional artist, and began selling her small paintings online and through galleries.

Jessie Rasche is a professional artist who paints in her Brookings home studio, and out on dusty farm roads. 

Growing up in Seattle as the only child of an artist, Jessie got a lot of encouragement for her creative endeavors, and studied Fine Art at the Pacific Northwest College of Art. 

Even so, a career path as an artist wasn’t clear and Jessie went back to school in Psychology and general sciences before a short career in social work, and then as an illustrator and media developer.

16 years ago, with family encouragement, Jessie followed her dreams of becoming a professional artist, and began selling her small paintings online and through galleries.

Linda Becker has always had a passion for life, people, children and animals. She was shy in school but when it came to her art classes, she felt right at home and knew her calling. She devoted her life to her children, who always came first, but once grown, she finally found time for herself. With her passion for art rekindled, she decided to attend college taking computer and several art classes consisting of drawing and painting, learning perspective, composition and the balance of color. She also received instruction from local established artists for many years.

 A story teller has the power to captivate, evoke deep emotions, impress and inspire. An artist gets to do that visually. There is something thrilling about a blank canvas. It invites and intimidates at the same time. Debra Trent’s story as an artist begins and ends in nature. Raw, trancendent, solitary. The animals captivate her, and the wilderness provides infinite inspiration.

Award-winning bronze artist Pamela grew up in Saratoga Springs, New York, at the south end of the Adirondack Mountains. With a passion for wildlife and a love for people, she focuses on western art and wildlife. 

My favorite shoes are hiking boots.

For years I've explored the wildernesses of the Southwest, hiking, backpacking, hang gliding and mountain biking - interacting with our wild places up close and in person. This has profoundly influenced my work.  I believe we are incomplete without a connection to, and appreciation of, the natural world, and that we should cherish and protect it. 

Julie Gowing Hayes creates oil and watercolor paintings of things and scenes found mostly in nature in a representational style sometimes with hints of impressionism. Growing up on a farm in Southwest Iowa was instrumental in her development of a deep-rooted love for the outdoors.