Darlene Laney

Darlene Laney is a self-taught artist whose favorite medium is the graphite pencil.  She has been drawing for as long as she can remember.  Her childhood works were drawn on brown paper bags and later in spiral notebooks interspersed between class notes.  She cites as her training an at home art study course which she did not finish, and a few art classes in high school and later an adult art class.  Some of her early works were displayed locally through membership in an African American art group.  Always seeking to improve her work, Darlene spent hours practicing and filled up many arts pads; however, she rarely showed her work.  Unfortunately, she put drawing aside to complete her educational pursuits and later obtained her degree in counseling.  She spent years as an academic counselor and later as a Christian counselor.  Drawing crossed her mind ever so often but she was focused on counseling and getting her non-profit off the ground.  Marriage and a move changed all of that.  As she was unpacking, her husband came across one of her art pads.  He asked why she stopped drawing.  Her response was a shrug.  She had been too busy and did have time.  However, seeing her old work stirred something within her and she begin drawing again.  After a neighbor saw her work, she encouraged Darlene to start showing her drawings.  Darlene did just that, entering a drawing to the Fresno Fair.  Although she did not even get recognition for her work, she persisted and continued entering her work in the Fair.  After her talent was ignored by the Fair, she was given the opportunity to show her work at the African American Museum in 2010.  Her first exhibit ran for February, African American History Month and March, Women's History Month.  In 2013 Darlene had her second show at the Crazy Moon Studio and Art Gallery in the Old Tower District.  Her most recent exhibit was at the "M" Street Art Complex.  Darlene continues to improve on her work and makes time to pursue her art.  She is excited to see how far she can go as a graphite artist.    

Art is an ever-evolving self-expression of the things and people that inspire us