Featured Artist Wendy Marquis | Artsy Shark

Enjoy the portfolio of painter Wendy Marquis, whose rural scenes capture the open land, fresh air and vintage vehicles. See more of her work by visiting her website.

painting of an old rusted truck by Wendy Marquis

“Off Kilter” oil on canvas, 40″ x 30″

Born into an artistic family and the cultural environment of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I grew up exposed to the works of the great masters. My parents instilled a strong work ethic and a curiosity for learning.

Barn in rural Montana

“Nature’s Medicine” oil on panel, 20″ x 16″

We spent time in the museums but also in little towns and countrysides of Pennsylvania. Both the artist and the country girl blossomed inside of me. My mother had a penchant for classic old cars, which sparked my interest in vintage trucks.

Painting of a truck on a country road

“Leaving it all Behind” oil on canvas, 24″ x 30″

I eventually progressed to the School of the Museum of Fine arts in Boston and graduated with a BFA from the University of Arizona. My husband and I raised our two daughters as I was working as an established muralist and faux finisher.

Rural landscape painting

“Set Yourself Free” oil on canvas, 20″ x 16″

In 2006, we moved from New Hampshire to Montana. Sixteen years later, I have reinvented myself as a prolific painter of what I like to call rural romance: big blue skies, billowy clouds, tall grasses, barns, and the old trucks embedded in the landscapes.

painting of an old truck in the weeds

“Sun Splashed” oil on canvas, 48″ x 36″

I also am drawn to paint the animals of the farms and ranches of the western landscape as well. The ones that I want to paint possess a particularly whimsical energy. I enjoy the challenge of solving the puzzle of composition and color.

oil painting of two cows

“The Jersey Girls” oil on canvas, 16″ x 20″

Often, I take pieces from different scenes and put them together in one painting. I prefer to paint scenes late in the day or early in the morning, when the shadows are long and creates strong contrasts of light and dark.

painting of two donkeys at a fence

“Monkey See, Monkey Do” oil on canvas, 16″ x 20″

With grit and a lot of seventy-hour work weeks, I have contributed my heart and soul to my lifelong goal of being a professional artist. Every morning when I wake up, I feel the need to paint as much as I need to breathe. I am happiest when I am in my studio painting, as the Montana sun shines through the windows, music is playing, and my dogs are at my feet.

Red barn in a countryside

“Where Man and Nature Meet” oil on canvas, 24″ x 30″

When you stand in front of one of my paintings, I invite you into the space that I have created on the canvas. Feel the warmth of the Montana sun and the unique light of this captivating place.

Driving away in a pickup truck

“My Ride” Artist Wendy Marquis in her classic pickup. Photo credit: Louise Johns for The Wall Street Journal

I revel in the experience when a viewer connects spiritually to one of my paintings. There is some kind of magic that happens there when a painting and a person find each other. And when that person becomes a collector, the circle of my creativity is complete.

Wendy Marquis invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.

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