| GOLDEN GATE, OIL, 40 x 30. |
By Bonnie Gangelhoff
BORN: Hutchinson, KS.
ART EDUCATION: Bachelor of fine arts from Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS. Master of fine arts from Laguna College of Art & Design, Laguna Beach, CA.
STYLE: Juxtaposition of impressionism and representation.
FIRST ART SALE: “In kindergarten, when other kids had lemonade stands, I was making things out of found objects and also doing tiny paintings. I sold them to neighbors for 50 cents.”
SECOND-CHOICE CAREER: Zoologist.
OTHER PASSIONS: Creative writing, cooking, hiking, fishing, and surfing. “I also enjoy game nights with friends and family. I’m good at Pictionary and I usually win.”
MANTRA OR MOTTO: “Life is good.”
QUIRKIEST TRAIT: “I talk to my dog, Bergen, a long-haired Chihuahua. He goes with me everywhere.”
BIGGEST FEAR: Losing the support of friends and family.
FAVORITE STUDIO MUSIC: Love songs from the ’80s.
BEST ADVICE RECEIVED: “We all spend our lives doing something, so do something that matters.”
PET PEEVE: People who crack their knuckles all the time.
FAVORITE ARTWORK BY ANOTHER ARTIST: Anything by Andrew Wyeth.
PRICE RANGE: $100 to $1,500.
NEXT BIG GOAL: “I want to return to Europe and paint on the streets of Spain. I studied abroad and loved Europe. I’m saving money so I can go back.”
CREATIVE SPARK: “I like to browse the art and travel sections in local bookstores.”
I’LL KNOW I’VE MADE IT WHEN: “I’m sitting on the porch of my very own house, sipping a glass of wine and picturing my next painting.”
GALLERIES: www.mariadudleyfineart.com.
Featured in our annual “21 Under 31” article in September 2008