In earnest observation and study of nature’s nuances, Denise LaRue Mahlke finds an emotional and spiritual connection that is revealed in her sensitive portrayals of the American landscape. Her paintings evoke a sense of peace that draws the viewer into an intimate encounter with place.

Creativity and work are God-given gifts, and Mahlke believes it is her responsibility as a painter to honor and glorify God with the work of her hands. She finds great inspiration in the beauty of big cloud-filled skies and wide-open spaces, but she is also drawn to quiet scenes that require a closer look. Subtleties in nature excite Mahlke, particularly the exquisite light and atmosphere found early or late in the day. Annual painting trips, mostly out West, have made an indelible impression on her work.

Mahlke’s paintings are in private and public collections throughout the country and abroad and have been exhibited in numerous distinguished museums. In 2017, her work was featured in a four-person exhibition at the Booth Western Art Museum, and in a group exhibition at the Desert Caballeros Western Museum. In 2019, two of the artist’s paintings were chosen for the Brinton Museum’s permanent collection. In 2022 Mahlke curated The Heavens Declare! Celebrating the Glory of the Skies (based on Psalm 19:1) at the Museum of Western Art in collaboration with Executive Director Darrell Beauchamp. That same year she was invited to participate in the 50th Anniversary Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition & Sale at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.

In 2013, Mahlke was awarded the Gold Medal for works on paper and Best of Show at the Phoenix Art Museum’s West Select show. Numerous publications have featured her work, including Art of the West, Western Art & Architecture, Southwest Art, PleinAir Magazine, and Pastel Journal, as well as two North Light books on pastel.

Mahlke is represented by Gallery 330 (Fredericksburg, TX), Oh Be Joyful Gallery (Crested Butte, CO), and The Grapevine Gallery (Oklahoma City, OK).