Now on Display
The Inspirational Years
Derek McCrea
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Biographical Sketch
Derek McCrea
Derek McCrea is a US Army Infantry Combat Solider. He completed two tours in Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division. And, this is his stress relief.
Derek has always loved to paint; it allows him to express his emotions on paper and to relax. Derek paints in a
whimsical impressionistic style in plein air settings.
Derek McCrea was born in Albany, Georgia on February 19, 1969. He first started painting with oils in the summer of 1984. From 1985 to 1986, he painted under the tutelage of Jimmy Peterson, a well known artist from Georgia. Derek joined the United States Army in 1987 and continued self study and painting on landscape subjects in France, Holland, Germany, Italy and Hungary, painting in the plein air style.
In the past year, Derek has completed over 20 commissioned pieces. He was recently commissioned to paint a magnolia flower painting for former Secretary of State Colin Powell's wife. His works were most recently placed in the Shoppes on Madison in historic Douglas, Georgia, and at Artsy’s on River Street in historic Savannah, Georgia. Derek has donated several artworks to non-profit and charitable organizations.
Artist Statement
My artwork titled “The Inspirational Years 2008-2009” is my stress relief series. It adds a missing balance to my hectic life. I am a full time US Army Infantry Solider by profession, but I have always loved to paint. I have been inspired by numerous locations worldwide where I have been stationed and the beauty of nature motivates me to capture the memories in art.
MORE ABOUT THE ARTIST
To learn more about Derek McCrea, please visit http://www.derekmccrea.50megs.com/.
About the Brown Art Gallery
Included in the original plans for the Monroe F. Swilley Jr. Library was a space designed specifically for art exhibits. The area was a gift of the Elizabeth Grisham Brown Benevolent Fund. Mrs. Brown (1826-1896) was the wife of Joseph Emerson Brown, Georgia Governor, Chief Justice, and United States Senator. She was recognized for her untiring energy and charitable work.With the recent renovation of the lower level of the library, the gallery was moved and altered to fit its new space. It re-opened on August 28, 2003 with a spectacular exhibit of Pfizer Pharmaceutical company paintings, "The History of Pharmacy," in honor of the Southern School of Pharmacy's Centennial Celebration and the opening of the lower level of the library.
To schedule future art exhibits, contact Angela Beavers 678-547-6280 or email beavers_ad@mercer.edu.
The Brown Art Gallery is open during regular operating hours.