Cassandra Swierenga, Water Study, 2010/18
Giclee on paper
Edition 2 of 10
30 x 15 in. (f. 36 x 21 in.)

A scenic view of Lake Tahoe inspired this giclee of a large oil painting on canvas; originally 72" x 36", the piece reflects the waters' myriad of rich and beautiful hues, and frothing white waves. This framed giclee printed on archival paper with fade resistant pigmented inks is a 1/4th scale of the original oil, the painting done predominantly with a large brush and an 11" palette knife in sweeping bold strokes. With large swaths of broad dancing impasto paint strokes the essence of Tahoe's' turquoise waters comes to life.

Cassandra Swierenga is a contemporary realist painter who works predominantly in oils and watercolors employing both classic techniques and direct painting. Her work elicits an ambiguous visual language telling an unspoken story perhaps with the look of an eye in a figurative piece or a gesture of suggestion in a landscape. She received a BA in Art from Calvin College, studied painting at College of Du Page in Glen Ellyn and at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. Self taught in watercolor, she was an adjunct professor at Wheaton College and teaches classes and workshops in and around the Chicago area. Her work has been shown in museums, galleries, and juried shows throughout the United States and she is a registered artist in the country of Chile. Cassandra is a Signature Member of the Illinois Watercolor Society, and currently serves as the President of the Elmhurst Artists' Guild.