Artist Statement

I was excited about starting my first painting class in March 2002, a birthday present from my husband who knew I had been longing to paint for some time. As far back as I can remember, I have always had a creative flair and was constantly looking forward to new challenges. I began my new art venture with acrylic paints, and it didn't take long to fall in love with the medium and the techniques. Any frustration in learning the medium dissolved quickly when I discovered the technique of dry brushing. I realized that the layers of acrylic paint could be applied to create realistic textures and establish the sense of light. This was the medium for me.

All my life I have been intrigued by nature and the vast variety of subject matter that is everywhere to be found. I have always been fascinated by how nature changes with every second of the day, and with wildlife, their unique and instinctive personalities have always mesmerized me. I can watch storm clouds on a summer night or the animals that reside near our acreage for hours. Even though I wasn't painting at the time, the visions were permanently instilled in me. I have now discovered that I can bring these images to life on the canvas. This was the spark that ignited my thrill of painting and how the magic of simple brush strokes created everything I had imagined. Every artist thrives on passions and obsessions. Bringing to life an expression in an animal or establishing the intimate mood of a landscape is my passion. When my painting starts to come to life and I can feel the texture and envision the illusion of light, the excitement to finish the painting erupts. My love for nature and art combined has helped me generate this unique realism into my paintings.

In the fall of 2004, I decided to sell my home-based business and choose Art as a new career. My painting style has been directed by my zeal to create three dimensional traits as the primary focus. The dominance of texture and value design elements, are the secret to my painting style. When I paint an image, I paint with the purpose of capturing a special moment in nature's infinite time. I want to invite you into the heart beat of the painting to share this moment.

I was born in Sherwood Park, Alberta and moved to Calgary when I was 5 years old. I presently reside on an acreage just outside of Calgary in the Foothills Municipality with my husband, Keith, and two boys, Brendan and Richard. Painting in my home studio overlooking the Rocky Mountains is my dream come true. The encouragement and support from all around me has been so overwhelming that I feel I am on cloud nine…and I am still up there painting and thank God everyday for this incredible journey.

Wendy Palmer, AFC