Born in Medicine Hat, Alberta in 1952, Elroy Wutzke was raised and worked in the surrounding area until into his thirties.  In 1985 a move to the Okanagan Valley rekindled a long time interest and desire to paint.  This began in 1986 with experimentation in oils.   Some basis training and introductory art instruction was helpful in the beginning but the artist is primarily self taught.
Beginning with landscapes in the early years he gradually moved to still life painting, inspired by the Dutch Masters of the 16 and 1700's.   By using a strong single light source and dark shadow, Elroy is able to recreate the style of the old masters called chiaroscuro(Italian for light-dark).  The term usually applies to Rembrandt and Caravaggio whose works embody the style more common in the past.  
Elroy  does a wonderful modern rendition of this style by carefully managing the shadows which predominate the pieces.  Elroy uses common fruits, vegetables and flowers combined with pottery, antiques and glass to recreate a timeless realistic setting much in the same way that the Dutch Masters of old had done.  His ability to work with shiny metal objects such as brass and copper complete the look.
Elroy has several galleries carrying his work now that he has become so popular.
Elroy Wutzke and Beverly Binfet had a two person show at the Hambleton in June of 2002.  Both artists presented still life and landscape paintings in a style uniquely their own.