Deanna’s inspiration comes from a variety of places. She doesn’t paint exactly what she sees- rather she changes and invents things to make it more painterly, exciting and colorful be it realistic or abstract. She paints in both watercolor and acrylics, whichever suits her mood. Her pencil pre-drawings can pass as finished pieces.
Born in Cleveland, she has resided in Richfield for most of her life. She spent 32 years in manufacturing and while there earned a degree in Commercial Art from the University of Akron.
Taking ongoing watercolor acrylic and drawing classes and workshops from the area’s finest artists keeps her work fresh.
Deanna not only shows and sells her work in more than twenty juried shows a year, she also teaches Drawing for the Novice at Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, Peninsula Art Academy and her home studio.
During all of this daily activity, imagine my surprise when I noticed spotting 35 years after menopause! The last thing Dr. Zebari told me after each gynecology appointment was “watch for spotting”. I had a history of minor problems which were taken care of after each ultrasound. Who knew there would be a problem after all this time. I called right away and was scheduled for an ultrasound that week. He was scheduled to call me the following week with the results, BUT he called within a few days and said I had uterine cancer. OMG CANCER! He was very optimistic that all would be well. I asked him who he would go to if it was him in my shoes and he gave me several gynecologic oncologists contacts. My daughters went with me for support and to make sure I understood what was being said and asked many questions.
Because I had one more art show to do, I wasn’t scheduled for a hysterectomy until the next month. My uterine cancer turned out to be stage 4c endometrial cancer involving some lymph nodes.
After visiting the infusion center for six rounds of chemotherapy, losing all of my hair but replacing it with a wig from Stewart’s Caring Place, I managed to get through it all. Did I paint during this time? Did I do anything else to occupy my mind? Yes, I did. I wasn’t going to let cancer dictate my life. I taught three drawing classes a week to adults. I did 17 paintings during that year for a one-woman show and 41 the next year for the many juried art shows. I continued in my duties as president of the Medina County Art League, vice president of Women’s Art League and organized the Hudson Society of Artist’s Clothesline Show during the Home and Garden show in Hudson in June. I also did my normal outdoor art shows; a little slower than usual, but did them. Some of my earlier work showed some darkness but gradually got brighter as I healed.
Many people think cancer is a killer. Ongoing research has changed that. Only a few of my close friends knew about my cancer. In my meetings, I gave no indication there was any illness as I wanted them to hear what I said rather than feeling sorry for me and missing the things I was talking about.
My method of getting through this was to trust my doctor, do as I was told and trust my faith. I’m now cancer free!
Professional Organizations: Crooked River Gang in Cuyahoga Valley Nat’l Park Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, Instructor Hudson Society of Artists (Clothesline Show Chair) Medina County Art League (current President) & (Co-Chair of Annual Aquarius Exhibition) Ohio Watercolor Society Peninsula Art Academy, Instructor Sisters in Art Whiskey Painters of America Women’s Art League (VP and Past President)
For classes and scheduled art shows, contact:
Deanna Clucas
[email protected]
Call or text 330-697-7543