Artist Gallery Elaine Staben P.O. Box 334 Avery, CA 95224 (209) 795-2911 (209) 768-0741 Cell elainestaben@sbcglobal.net Her lifelong love for nature has led Elaine Staben to try and share that tranquil beauty with everyone who sees her paintings. Her fascination with light, color, and design is more important to her than realism in the traditional view, in expressing her feelings. Studying the impressionists was a tremendous influence, however, she is always open to new styles of painting. She continues to take workshops from various artists, always striving to explore new ideas, techniques, and acquire inspiration. Since 2007 she has been studying figurative painting and drawing in Palm Springs with Meridy Volz, which she shows as well as her well known landscapes. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Art from San Francisco State University, she pursued employment in various commercial arts including advertising, displays, painting windows and signs. Fine Arts were her obsession though. Elaine has been painting a multitude of different medias: including oils, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, and collage. Murals are becoming one of her favorite specialties, which can be seen in many local businesses and homes. After relocating from the Bay Area to the Mountains, she spent much of her time substitute teaching and teaching art classes in after school and GATE programs. She is a participant in the Calaveras County Arts Council’s Arts in Education Program and is also a long time member of The Arts of Bear Valley, an organization whose volunteer work helps bring art to local communities. Her passion for art inspired her to develop Art & Soul, a charming Gallery, Art Supply Store and Studio in Cedar Center, Arnold, California from December 2001 to January 2004 where she sold paintings, art supplies, and taught art classes. Stanislaus Big Trees Park Mystery Woman Autumn in Big Trees State Park Old Board's Crossing All images copyright © Elaine Staben - All rights reserved