Gretchen Clasby's successful artistic career testifies not only of talent, but, of her determination, diligence, and a touch of serendipity. The mother of three, Gretchen began painting 43 years ago when she fell in love with the "fine art" watercolor paintings she saw at craft shows, where she sold the whimsical renditions she had created for her children's nursery. ."An artist friend at the show suggested I try painting with watercolors, after hearing me go on and on about how I loved them. He told me to go buy a sheet of every kind of watercolor paper and paints and the very best brushes I could afford. And try it!"

Gretchen is self taught and gives credit to her wonderful God who gave her talent and to countless artists she admired for answering her unending questions... "how did you______?" "I remember the first time I saw what salt did in a painting and when I was told they used salt to get that effect." I asked, "what does pepper do?" From the beginning painting was a love affair for this fine artist. She explains, "I am so blessed, I get to make my living and give pleasure to others at the same time."

Before long, Gretchen opened an art gallery Cedar Hill Studio in Salado, Texas. During these first 20 years as a full time artist, she exhibited at art shows in TX, OK, LA, KS and NE, traveling to as many as 38 shows a year on weekends. And her paintings soon graced the walls of discerning collectors throughout the United States.

In 1993, Gretchen moved to Waynesville NC, and continued and expanded her Gallery. She exchanged the demanding schedule of art shows to a wholesale marketing business. Selling a whimsical, inspirational line she created, called Sonshine Promises. Sonshine Promises, sold mostly through Christian Book and Gift shops could be found in all 50 States and in most English and Spanish speaking countries around the world, as prints, greeting cards, mugs, note cards, calendars and figurines.

In 2007, Gretchen down sized her Gallery and moved it to the back of the building on Wall Street. She is open by appointment and on Festival days in October and the first two weekends in December. This decision has now allowed her to return earnestly to her first love, painting. Now, equally embracing acrylics and watercolors, her favorite subject are: children, landscapes, birds, wildlife and florals.