Yuriko Takata's work is a simple celebration of the beauty of nature; her florals range from delicately rendered watercolors reminiscent of French antique botanical prints, to bold pastelled still-life images inspired by the oil paintings of the old Dutch masters. Her 20th century eye brings a fresh twist to favorite classic art styles. Fond of drawing "en plein air" in exotic and beautiful locations throughout the world, Takata most recently spent several months in Hawaii exploring the lush landscape, rugged volcanoes and pristine beaches where the quality of light off the water has further enriched her extensive palette.

Always searching for new insights and visual experiences, Takata's interests range from realistic still-life and landscape to the exploration of purely abstract imagery with a simplified surface. Although she creates most of her work in the privacy of her own studio after making extensive sketches on location, she enjoys working with other artists in a warehouse studio, taking advantage of the creative spirit and support found within a group atmosphere. Additionally, she appreciates having the opportunity to explore different artistic styles at once.

Takata was born just after her parents moved to California in 1957. Raised in the United States, she speaks Japanese with her mother who, also a creative woman, studies the ancient art of Japanese flower arranging. Although she frequently visits the rest of her family in Japan, Takata considers the San Francisco Bay Area her home.

With exhibits both in the United States and Japan, Takata's work is held in the collections of AT&T, Bank of America, Dean Witter, Foremost McKesson, Hollister, Inc., Illinois Bell, IBM, Kaiser Permanente, Pacific Bell and Nordstroms Department Stores.

BIRTHPLACE: Los Angeles, CA EDUCATION: Academy of Art College, San Francisco, CA, 1978 EXHIBITIONS: Neville Sargent Gallery, Chicago, IL

Greenleaf Gallery, Saratoga, CA

Boody Fine Arts, St. Louis, MO

Himovitz Gallery, Sacramento, CA

Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA

Richard Iri Gallery, Los Angeles, CA

Mito Cultural Center, Mito, Japan

Joan Joseph Gallery, Hartford, CT

Editions Limited Gallery, Indianapolis, IN

Belcher Street Gallery, San Francisco, CA

Gango Gallery, Portland, OR