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Biography of Derek McCrea My main gallery site is at http://www.derekmccrea.50megs.com Derek McCrea is a US Army Infantry Combat Soldier with two tours in Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division, and this is his stress relief. He has always loved to paint; it allows him to express emotions on paper and relax. Derek paints in a whimsical impressionistic style in plein air settings. He was born in Albany, Georgia on February 19, 1969. He presently resides with his wife Sheila, of 22 years and his two sons. He first started painting with oils in the summer of 1982. From 1982 to 1986 he painted under the instruction of Jimmy Peterson, a well known artist from Georgia. In 1986 he won 1st place in the Georgia Arts Exhibition. 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. He has completed over 20 commissions in the past year. His art can be found in galleries throughout the Southeastern United States and in private collections worldwide. He has consistently donated several works every year to charities and loves to give back to the community for a good cause. His works are published in over 50 international publications and he has received numerous awards and honors for his work. Artists Statement "Art adds a balance to my life. I am compelled by nature to emulate it's beauty through creation. When I am at my easel nothing else matters except the moment when I escape into the painting. When a work is going well I am filled with a sense of peace and I naturally apply with brush strokes to a magnificent completion."