GINNY Versteegen’s early talent in art earned her placement in advanced high school classes at Carnegie Mellon University. She went on to graduate from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (now PennWest Edinboro) with a degree in art education.

Working as a contemporary impressionist, Versteegen focuses on painting the natural surroundings that inspire her—and painting amidst them. “I immerse myself in the creative journey,” says the artist, who spent many years teaching K–12 art classes. “Being a plein air artist, the world opens when I head outdoors with my easel and paints,” she says. “From landscapes to clouds, gardens to still life studies, nature inspires me. I see my themes as spiritual—a praise of nature and the world around us.”

Versteegen works mainly in oil on linen, using bold strokes of broken color as she concentrates on the light to create an impression of what she sees. “I strive to give the viewer just enough information to see my impression, to finish the details in their own mind and live in the moment with light and color,” she says.

Versteegen is represented by the Charleston Artist Guild Gallery and welcomes visitors to her studio by appointment. Her work is also available through her website.