If you were a mouse in the corner of Sherrie McGraw’s studio, you would be amazed at two things: her skill, as she transforms a blank canvas into a magnificent painting—and her pirouettes, as she goes to the kitchen to make lunch. While her paintings have earned her high honors, she admits that her pirouettes still need work. At the center of her life, however, are McGraw’s love of art and her love for fellow artist and long-time partner David Leffel.
A native Oklahoman, McGraw studied for a time at Central University in Edmond, Oklahoma, then studied for three years with Edith and Richard Goetz, before heading to New York, where she enrolled at the Art Students League and studied with Leffel for two and a half years. “I resonated so much with what he was teaching,” she says. “I think the thing we both seem to have in common and what is our bond is that we both love painting and drawing.
Sherrie McGraw (New Mexico)
Apache Water Jug
Oil
17″ x 21″
“My dear friend, Bill Acheff, has a treasure trove of native artifacts. During a recent visit to his studio to see what was new on the easel, I surveyed his pots, as I always do, imagining them in a painting. Nothing was speaking to me so, after a time, we left and wandered over to his home. Once inside, this water jug caught my eye. Bill explained that, long ago, its surface had been completely waterproofed by resin but, with time, the coating had dried and cracked off in places to reveal some of the original basket weave. The resulting texture captivated me. He saw that look in my eye and knew it meant another prized possession would be on loan for a time across town. As my golden delicious apple tree was heavily laden with fruit, and the aspen leaves were turning, the basket’s companions were a shoo-in.”
Sherrie McGraw (New Mexico)
Chinese Pot and Roses
Oil
12″ x 16″
“One reason I grow roses is because I love to paint them. This particular year, a previously barren variety stepped up to produce some unexpectedly plump roses with a subtle, pink blush. As these flowers were a new addition to the garden, I didn’t know what to expect: a one-time bloom, or a continuous summer display. I banked on the former and scrambled for an accent of color to set off these pale beauties. A rich, cool, red rose came to the rescue and perfectly complemented the setup. The Chinese pottery created a dark, structured contrast to the light, freeform roses and, in no time, the composition came to life.”
