Derek McCrea has been a prolific artist since 1982. He started painting under the instruction of Jimmy Peterson and his own mother in the early to mid 80s. He continued self study en plein air internationally wherever he was stationed as a Infantry Soldier from 1987-2010 in Italy, Germany, Belgium and across the USA. Since 2010 he has served as an advisor to the military but continues to paint when he has time. Derek paints in a whimsical impressionistic style in plein air settings. He was born in Albany, Georgia on February 19, 1969 and presently resides with his wife Sheila, of 26 years and his two sons. Derek completes around 20 commissions per year for customers from photos. His art can be found in galleries throughout the Southeastern United States, in private collections worldwide, and in many publications.