About Wendy
In 1975 Wendy earned her diploma in Applied Arts in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
She worked in the advertising/graphics industry for several years and in the fine art painting industry for over 40 years. She is an accomplished, full time professional artist and experienced instructor in water colour, acrylic, oil and mixed media. Wendy is well known and respected for her unique painting techniques and teaching skills throughout the city of Winnipeg and in several rural towns of Manitoba. She has taught art workshops in Mexico and has taught for several years at The International Arts and Music Camp in The United States. Wendy also taught workshops in water colour, acrylic and mixed media at Artists Emporium in Winnipeg. Her work can be seen at The Cistern Studio, (her home studio) by appointment.
Contemplation
I know that throughout the ages artists have greatly influenced the world.
To this very day, they have a powerful ability to challenge the way people think about their environment, ideologies, social and personal issues, religion and the quality of life. Because of this, my greatest pleasure as both an artist and instructor is to evoke peace, joy and positive thinking through the aesthetic and creative images of my paintings. I believe that although we live in a world of stress and pain, there is still an abundance of beauty revealed all around us by our Creator’s handiwork, as well as by His enduring love and goodness to
us through His Son Jesus, my Lord and Savior.
EXPLORE, DISCOVER, FEEL, CREATE, SHARE, LIVE!
My journey as an artist began the very first time I laid eyes on my great aunt Frieda's paintings and I was smitten! I was 5 years old. From that day forward, there was no stopping me and I lived and breathed art. I took lessons when I could, practiced drawing and painting almost every day growing up at home. In high school I took the art credits that were available and then onto college, graduating with a graphic arts degree. Together with my husband Ron, we worked in graphic design and advertising for several years. Then I switched to doing fine art painting and selling as a stay-at-home mom when our children were born to help supplement our income. Thus began my career as a professional full time fine artist and instructor. After 45 years in the art industry, I am still doing what I love. When I think about my art and painting, and what I want to say about it, there are four main areas that I focus on.
Painting, expressing and
creating art
For me the simple act of painting is my way to capture forever a fleeting moment, when light and colour join together perfectly, and it gives me a great deal of satisfaction when I process what I see and feel and then express it in a painting. I want to tell a story that visually and creatively edifies and enlightens the viewer....adding something that will improve their quality of life. I want my paintings to show the beauty of a landscape, or the emotional interaction between people. I love to paint the lights and business of a city street, or the calm of a lake shore. I want to express the peace of a sunrise or a sunset. My soul is touched by how the living, moving energy of light can transform ordinary objects into a glorious, wonderful, breathtaking vision.
Exploring new materials,
tools and mediums
We live in a time where chemistry, science and modern technology contribute significantly to the development of a variety of new materials, tools and mediums used by artists. I am always entertained and surprised by the reactions of mixed media. And I am fascinated by the science behind that which dictates an unpredictable, yet delightful outcome. This has encouraged me to be in a place where I choose not to be held back by the general idea that an artist, to be successful must maintain one consistent art genre and style. When I think about what inspires me to paint weather it's a landscape, cityscape, people, abstract, floral, something trendy, or even a commission the exercise always delights me. I feel it's helping me develop my creativity and imagination. The process deeply satisfies my curiosity and keeps my child like wonder alive.
Painting something for others and commissions
I believe that art critics don't have a universally negative view of artists painting based on someone else's requests. While some might think it's a limitation on artistic freedom, I recognize its potential for unique outcomes and personal exploration. I agree with the view that sometimes artists find new avenues of expression by exploring themes or styles requested by others, potentially leading to unexpected and innovative works. In my experience the exercise has offered me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of a subject or technique, thus pushing my artistic and creative boundaries.
Teaching and sharing
I don't only enjoy painting for myself, or painting alone. I also love to celebrate the event with others, passing on my experiences and ideas, through teaching, sharing, and creative conversation. This is so new ideas and original concepts don't get lost with me when the time comes that I will no longer be able to do art.