Lyle Silver's interest in and aptitude for art was unmistakable from early childhood, and he seized every opportunity to pursue that interest. His first grade teacher, an accomplished artist, recognized this artistic aptitude and provided him with private lessons and encouragement. He grew up in a small town in Iowa, and for a couple of years lived on a farm with an aunt and uncle. This experienced undoubtedly contributed to his appreciation for the simple, quiet areas of the earth. The subject matter of his paintings varies, but landscape is his true love and he always returns there.

Silver undertook the Art Curriculum at Drake University, and is a Commercial Art graduate from Edison Technical School. He has also taken classes at the Frye Art Museum and the Cornish School of Art, both in Seattle.

Silver loves the artist's life - the freedom and opportunity to explore and develop a life-long interest, and to be able to work in isolation but also enjoy the friendship and camaraderie of fellow artists. He paints for the joy of painting and appreciation of color. He likes the way painting stimulates both his mood and that of his viewer, and he strives to share in the pure invention of painting. He always looks for a departure and his painting style reflects this. Says the artist:To grow, take risks, explore, seek different approaches, and not be satisfied or complacent - this, I think, is the greatest challenge for an artist.

Silver sketches and paints on location, and also takes photographs for later reference while working in his studio. He uses the photographs as a starting point, and alters them liberally as the painting takes on a life of its own.

His work appears in such collections as First Interstate Bank, Rainier Bank, and Group Health Hospital. He has participated in numerous exhibitions and has won many awards, most recently the Best of Edmonds award at the Edmonds Art Festival. He is a current member of the Northwest Pastel Society and the Puget Sound Group of Northwest Painters.

View Lyle Silver Collection