Darlene G. Novy-Zuelke's introduction to the world of art started during the pre-school years when she was taught to draw stick figures.  while in grade school, she won a first place award in a cook county, Illinois safety first competition and was accepted into the gifted artist program at the University of illinois.  She later won a scholarship to the Chicago Art Institute's School of Design.

Workshops with J.C. Pellew, Zoltan Szabo & Lucille Williams; travel throughout the United States and parts of Mexico and Canada, created a fascination with landscapes in watercolor.  She also works in pencil, acrylic, mixed media and soft & oil pastels.

A working artist, her original paintings are exhibited in many galleries and are found in private collections as far away as Germany, Japan, Australia and South America, as well as the North American Continent.

A member of several art associations, Darlene was honored with a lifetime signature membership in the West Suburban artists' Guild of Illinois.  Awards include: best of show, people's choice, many first place, second, third and honorable mention ribbons from local, national and international competitions.  Each holds a special place in her memory.