Duenne Schlarman has a Masters of Science (MS) in curriculum development from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) and a Bachelors of Fine Art (BFA) from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Having previously taught art in the public school system for 21 years, where she received the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award she is now working on her Masters of Fine Arts degree at SIUE with an emphasis in painting. Her passion for creating and teaching is always present. She currently lives in Edwardsville, IL on Holiday Shores Lake with her husband and two children where they love boating and skiing.
Her work is process driven based on her own challenges, hopes and desires that present themselves to her in an intuitive nature. As the image develops, she internalizes her thoughts and brings forth a more defined image of a surreal nature. The work is usually centered around an intimate space with bright layered colors. The forms and subject matter intrigue the viewer. The brush strokes are fluid and deliberately shown. Her subject and concepts are broad and dependent on her current need to create.
She credits her creative nature to being an "Air Force brat". With the frequent moves in her childhood, combined with a shy temperament and learning disabilities, she immersed into artistic endeavors to deal with the continuous new environments. She found a passion for creating and experimenting in a wide range of mediums. From an early age she developed a need to give back to society through teaching and creating.
