Denise LaRue Mahlke paints with soft pastels - which are to her the purest form of artist color. Unfettered with complicated materials, she is free to respond spontaneously to the unfolding spectacle of the big skies and ancient geology of the American West. I first saw her beautiful, atmospheric pastel works of art in person at the Booth Museum. It was at a show called Painting Red Rocks Country, Past and Present. Her work was displayed alongside the works of G. Russell Case, Matt Smith, and Ray Roberts.  Denise says “Painting allows me to communicate the celebratory beauty of God’s creation.” As we view Denise Mahlke’s sensitive paintings, we cannot help but be touched by her deep reverence. The result: we are rewarded with a sense of peace. Links: Denise LaRue Mahlke Website: https://www.dlaruemahlke.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dlaruemahlke/ Other Mentions: Terry Ludwig Pastels: https://terryludwig.com The Painterly Approach: An Artist's Guide To Seeing, Painting And Expressing (by Bob Rohm): https://amzn.to/3zapzUX (paid link) Harley Brown's Eternal Truths for Every Artist (by Harley Brown): https://amzn.to/2TVwpxz (paid link) T. Allen Lawson: https://tallenlawson.com About the Artful Painter: Website: https://theartfulpainter.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CarlOlsonArt This page may contain affiliate links from which I earn a small commission. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.