Gretchen Van der Lyke

Gretchen van der Lyke's work deals with the dynamics of organic forms. Her strongest influence has been botanical art. She is also interested in illuminated manuscripts and, Asian art, particularly with regard to Japan and India. Her parents are both avid antiques collectors, because of this she has a strong interest in art history and art objects. All these experiences have found their way into her work. Mediums used are watercolor, and at times chalk pastel. Recently, Gretchen's work has veered into watercolor collages which are sewn together with embroidery twine. Some may say that Gretchen is as much a sculptor as a painter, as she loves to explore the plasticity of paper.

Gretchen studied art via several venues. She majored in art and art history at Clark University during her college years. She has taken various art classes at Connecticut College, and Lyme Academy of Fine Arts. She also holds a Certificate of Decorative Painting from R.I.S.D.

She has always lived in the New London county area, and the local plantsand seasonal rhythms of southeast New England play a key role in her work. Gretchen is the type of who artist takes influences from a variety of sources, but always tends to put her own stamp on whatever she encounters. Thus, often creating interesting and unmistakable pieces.