After returning to the SF Bay Area from Africa Gretchen developed a successful multi-decade career in Interior Design as a certified designer – applying the principles and sensibilities that she learned in art – as “interiors became her canvas”. She practiced her professional skills in the SF Bay Area and later in Montreal, QC , Zurich, CH, West Virginia and Cleveland.

While living in Ohio, one of her design projects was featured on the nationally syndicated TV show HGTV’s Homes across America and published in Northern Ohio Live magazine. Years later when she and Dick returned to SF to semi-retire, their remodeled home (with her touches) was featured in the Wall Street Journal weekend Architectural section. Over the past 7 years, she has focused her passion in art on painting and monoprints at her studio in Sausalito, California – but also finds time to volunteer teach art to students at the Northern Light School in Oakland. 

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As a studio artist, Gretchen likes to work in thematic series experimenting with different concepts and different art mediums. Two pieces from her recent series “Disappearing Women” are included in the current exhibit at the Little Gallery.

Most of her current artwork involves painting with acrylics on canvas or paper – sometimes incorporating oil stick, graphite and collage elements. She has also recently been experimenting with monoprints using Akua Inks, and “chine colle” on paper. She enjoys the spontaneity of the monoprint process and finds it compatible with her personality and artistic skills. 

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For more about Gretchen, her artwork and gallery exhibitions – go to her website at gretchenevansart.com.