Sherrie McGraw - "Clarity," defines a quality of light as well as a characteristic of human thought. Both attributes describe the painting and vision of Ms. McGraw. In 1978, she was in search of a teacher who would convey the elements of painting to which she was drawn; minimal combinations of "shapes of light, darks, colors, edges, value, paint quality" - evolving together in a compelling manner. At the Art Students League in New York, she met David A. Leffel who impacted her life professionally and personally as he demonstrated the art of chiaroscuro painting.
        Since that time, she has taught at major art institutions across the country, including the Art Students League and is currently completing her first book on drawing. In 2000, she assisted in coordinating the American Women Artists Invitational Exhibit in Sorrento, Italy where she delivered a speech to the mayor and townsmen in their native language. Ms. McGraw is featured in numerous publications and has received awards from the American Artists Professional League, the Salmagundi Club, the Pastel Society of America and the Allied Artists.