Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Michelle Davis.
Hi Wendy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Since childhood art has been a part of my life. As a little girl, I loved to create things out recycle paper my dad would bring home from work. I would cut, paste and tape until I made something I could give my parents. I remember presenting them with a 3-D record player fully out of paper when I was about five. Neither of my parents pursued the arts, but they always supplied me with material so that I could create. Crayons and pencils eventually turned into paints and brushes, and although I have enjoyed many different artistic mediums, it is painting that continues to draw me back. My subject matter tends to be nature, whether a trail I have traversed, a vase of bright flowers, or fruit hanging on its branch. I am constantly enchanted by the splendor of creation. I grew up learning to love and appreciate the outdoors as my family spent time hiking, camping, going on backpacking trips with the California Native Plant Society.
Yes, I am a Native Californian. Since Adulthood I have live in California, Oregon, South East Asia, The Middle East, and Texas since 2018. Central Texas feels like my forever home. It didn’t take long to fall in love with the friendly community here and the beauty of the surrounding landscape. My most recent paintings have been of Cameron Park, Waco’s city park, with over 400 acres of trails and parks along the Bosque and Brazos Rivers. It’s a very special place. I’ve also been painting Texas Wildflowers. Bluebonnets are one of the most amazingly-unique and pretty little flowers.
Although art has been a part of my life since childhood, it wasn’t until these past couple of years that I have put full effort into seeing if I can make it a profitable endeavor. I’ve had many jobs that I have enjoyed including teaching English, floral designing, and working at camps, but I have always said, “If I can be a working artist I would do it.” So, I am doing it. And I’m incredibly thankful to my community for their support.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think many, or maybe all artist struggle. When we present our art, in a gallery, shop, booth, or however, it’s exposing a part of ourselves, and it can be very personal. My work is an expression of myself. There are many ways our work can be received. It can be applauded, criticized, questioned, ignored. I am thankful that, for the most part, I have had good receptions for my paintings, but my original work can be difficult to sell. It can be hard to have a show and not have one piece bought. I am learning not to be discouraged. I have had many shows where I have sold little to no original’s paintings, but I had an incredible show last spring in which I nearly sold out of every painting. This reminded me that my art is definitely sellable, I just need to find the buyers. And I need to get back in the studio to create more art!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My art is an expression of nature. I love to take something that is beautiful, yet fleeting and temporal, capture that in a painting, making it lasting and permanent. I work with medium-bodied acrylics on canvas, using fast brush strokes, applying the paint generously. Color is important, and as I paint, I enjoy mixing colors to create depth and bring contrasts in my work. My paintings have movement and life. They are fresh and bright, conveying my admiration for the ever-evolving beauty of the natural world.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Hmm, I know we often say, “Good Luck!” I do. But I don’t feel that luck has had anything to do with my recent success. As a believer in Christ, I fully trust that He guides me. He gets the credit when I do well. When I create, it is because God has given me the ability to create. To go deeper, what I paint is His creation. Be it a flower, or a scene of trees along a path, He made it first. He is the Master Artist. I know that not everyone agrees with this or believes it, but I do in the core of who I am.
Nothing is accidental. God has a plan for each us. Each of my steps were known before I took them, thus struggles and hardship play a part in where I am today. I’ve worked hard to be successful, and as I look back at all my efforts as an artist, I can see now why many of the struggles helped shaped me and make me who I am today.
Still, I know I will have more difficulties and challenges in life; they are inevitable, but I pray I will have the right perspective as I go through them. They are what make us stronger, more compassionate, and more thankful for the good things when they come.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wendymichelledavis.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendy_michelle_davis/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artistwendymichelledavis/
Image Credits
Samantha Marie Photography
