About the Artist

Yolande McAlevey has been drawing and painting from childhood then had the wonderful opportunity to learn art at a higher level in High School. The college years began by studying the foundation classes in art and airbrushing, as well as to be a Draftsman at Pierce College (that degree was to pay the bills), then onto studying art at Cal State Northridge and Art Center College of Design. Yolande gained technical skill when she began her career as a Draftsman, followed by being a Technical Illustrator and next, went into Illustration and Graphic Design. Then, while raising a family, taught High School art for 10 years and worked on commission paintings as well as paintings for personal enjoyment. The years of needing to be precise in drafting and technical illustration have been a strong influence in the style in which she paints.

In recent years, Yolande has been able to focus on moving her art to the professional level and has joined, submitted and won recognition in local and national art shows. She served as chairperson of hospitality for the Thousand Oaks Art Association in her community. Her works have won Best of Show, First, Second, Third and Honorable Mention ribbons and awards, as well as participating as a demonstration artist for the Westlake Village Art Guild. Among the many subjects painted, are the "Harvest" series and "In the Vineyard" series. The main body of work is done in watercolor, oil and acrylics but also includes pencil, pen & ink, mixed media, pastel, airbrushing and gouache.

Art Association Memberships:

California Art Club - Artist

Oil Painters of America

Thousand Oaks Art Association

Arizona Watercolor Association

National Shows:

2019 - "Leaf On The Vine" - OPA (Oil Painters of America), National Exhibition in St. George, Utah 

2018 - "Leaf On The Vine" - Award of Merit, NOAPS (National Oil and Acrylics Painters Society), 2018 Best of America Small Paintings Exhibition

2017 - "Ripe For Harvest" - National Watercolor Association, Members Show

Local Shows:

Thousand Oaks Art Association  2017 - present

Santa Paula Art Museum  2018 

Artwork: "Walnut Grove"

Arts Council of the Conejo Valley  2018

Simi Valley Art Association  2019

Santa Paula Art Museum: "Work From Home" 09/18/21 - 01/1/22

  Artwork: "A Quiet Place To Reflect"

California Art Club: "Comfort and Gratitude: Excellence in Traditional Fine Art" 10/8/21 - 12/10/21

Artwork: "Early Morning Paddle Ride"   

 Thousand Oaks Art Association: Members Show 11/1/21 - 11/29/21

Santa Paula Art Museum: "Art About Agriculture"  2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Westlake VillageArt Guild Members Show "Emergence" 09/18/21 - 11/18/21 

Thousand Oaks Art Association: Open Show and Members Show 2019 to present

Arizona Watercolor Association: 2024