Connie McLennan

Rocklin-based Connie McLennan began as an illustrator for advertising, institutional, and publishing projects, including 14 children’s books, the last of which she also wrote. As a member of the San Francisco Society of Illustrators, she contributed two paintings to the U.S. Air Force Art Program.
Following graduation from CSUS and training at Academy of Art College, McLennan illustrated in a variety of media before turning to fine art. Influenced by the California Impressionists and contemporary impressionist painters, and working primarily in oil, her interests are still life and nature, with an emphasis on color. Her books and paintings both have won awards, but collectors who enjoy her work are most important to her.
After painting for several years, she took a two-year break from art to train and work briefly as a paralegal. She returned to her artistic life in 2018 and considers herself a painter, writer, and recovering illustrator.

STATEMENT

In 2011, a mentor imparted a kernel of understanding about the impressionists’ use of color, arguing that its sympathetic and emotional impact on viewers is more important than subject matter or accuracy of drawing. This insight became my challenge and focus. Though currently dabbling in abstracts, I will always be a recovering illustrator—not necessarily a realist, but perhaps a confirmed “representational-ist.” Regardless of the subject, what inspires me most is color.

AWARDS, SHOWS & CONTRIBUTIONS

  • Honorable Mention, Featured Logo, Contributor, 1998-2003, KVIE Art Auction
  • Contributor, US Air Force Art Collection, 2008 and 2010
  • First Place, 2011 Twenty20 Show, Kennedy Gallery, Sacramento
  • Judges Choice, 2012 Spring Obsession Show, Ironstone Vineyards
  • Best of Show, 2012 University Art Open Show, San Jose
  • Selected exhibitor representing Placer County, 2013-14 State Senate Contemporary Art Collection, CA State Capitol
  • Second Place, 2014 Spring Obsession Show, Ironstone Vineyards
  • Honorable Mention, 2016 Oregon Society of Artists and Concordia University 8” x 8” Artist Challenge
  • Honorable Mention, 2018 Where the Wild Things Are Art Auction, Effie Yeaw Nature Center
  • Exhibitor, 2018 Bold Expressions Exhibition, Sacramento Fine Arts Center
  • Judges Merit Award, 2019 Spring Obsession Show, Ironstone Vineyards
  • 2020 EUREKA! Nonfiction Children’s Book Silver Award, CA Reading Assn
  • Contributor, 2020 Westmont Ridley-Tree Museum of Art Exhibition & Fundraiser
  • Contributor, 2021 Big Names, Small Art auction, Crocker Art Museum
  • First Place, 2022 Twenty 20 Show, Kennedy Gallery, Sacramento
  • Best of Show, 2024 Placer Land Trust Natural Wonders Show, Gomez Gallery