Gretchen Hess

Gretchen Hess' art has been the passion of her life, from childhood to art school to career. Her work encompasses ” . . . exploration, spirit, intuition, collective world travels and experiences of the soul,” with images that are both strong and subtle impressions of the physical and nonphysical world.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Kansas City Art Institute in 1976, Hess went on to become an Art Director for Macy's Visual Merchandising in Atlanta, GA; and later for Nobart Direct Mail Agency in Chicago, IL. In 1991 she embarked on an independent career as an artist and art consultant in Chicago. She lived most of her life in an urban setting, but now lives in a tranquil, semi-rural setting with her horses, dogs and cats on 5 acres. While living in the city, she had forgotten the vastness of nature and how the power, drama and immensity of the landscape not only inspired her but had a calming effect as well. It is her aim to convey this energy and effect with strong minimal imagery, color, and a Zen-like compositional influence.

Hess's background in fine art, graphic design, visual merchandising and supplying the decorative art market requires that she tell a strong compelling story using a spectrum of imagery and technique with broad appeal. She has created commissioned artworks for many interior design projects and art consultants, and her works appear in numerous private collections. Past clients include Harrods of London, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom's, Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn, Hyatt Hotels, Marshall Fields, Sears, Ritz Carlton, and many more.

“The world is my studio, my senses are my palette, I am the messenger.”