I began learning about art in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, where I would walk through the many galleries and was able to learn from the international artists, such as Roberto Lupetti and Yuan, who made their homes in this lovely European-type village south of San Francisco.

Over the years I worked with a variety of companies from hospitality to high technology. In the 1990's I authored an award-winning, self-help book and was invited to speak across the U.S. and in Europe, Japan, Hong Kong and Australia.

Throughout my travels, I was studying art. In each country I visited countless museums and galleries, digesting the colors, techniques and content of the artists of each nationality. I was influenced by dance of color and light of the impressionists. I learned simplicity from the Asian artists and the contrast of light and dark from the Dutch masters.

I absorbed the complexity of form, composition and iridescent color, from the classical artists of France and Italy. I spent long hours at the Louvre and Musee d'Orsay in Paris, the Uffizi in Florence and the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum in Rome. And I was honored to be mentored by a private, master artist who shared his skills and ability to see so vividly with me.

My focus and intention is to share my passion with you. I desire to create a window of a beautiful scene that will transport you to another reality where you can experience the feeling of that time and place.

I enjoy working with agents, interior designers and galleries and enjoy doing commissions and portraits. You can see more art and photography at www.verlaine-crawford.pixels.com.

At the University of California I studied marketing as well as art, photography and graphic design, using it in my marketing work, which included designing brochures, websites and collateral material. I served as VP Marketing for a number of companies including software companies in Silicon Valley and the Lodge at Pebble Beach. I have studied under a master artist from Europe who has become my mentor.