by Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi –
Wende Szyperski lives in Weems with her husband, Jeff. They have four grown children. She’s a graduate of St. Catherine’s School and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
A creative artist for decades, she has focused her efforts on oils over the last 11 years, studying with many nationally recognized artists, including Scott Christiansen, Quang Ho, Derek Penix, Daniel J. Keys and Anne Blair Brown.
“Capturing the color, mood and shape of simple scenes—the representational and abstract impressions of ordinary experiences—that is what I love to paint!”
How did you get started?
I’ve always been an observer of things. I enjoy the details and considering how things fit into a bigger scheme. Context is important to me. Art classes throughout my school years sparked my desire to learn more.
When my youngest child went to high school in 2010, I decided to peruse more structured learning over time, such as Rappahannock Art League (RAL) drawing and painting classes, workshops by nationally recognized painters and conventions and exhibitions across the country.
Where do you find inspiration?
The striking beauty of our community here in the Northern Neck. Everything is game! The rivers, fields and communities are filled with inspiring subject matter. I am drawn to scenes that convey a unique sense of place and mood in me. That is what I aim to paint—my impression of a thing, its essence. My hope is that the passing viewer is drawn in by the basic visual elements of the piece, which become simple strokes of colored pigments when examined up close, with their own experience becoming the key to ‘completing the story’ of the painting. A painting is greater than its parts, but all its parts should be interesting.
What’s your workspace like?
I have a small studio a few steps from our home. It has skylights, electricity and a view of the Rappahannock, just perfect for me. I try to keep regular work hours there, which include painting, study, shipping and online communications with clients, suppliers and email subscribers.
What’s your favorite medium and why?
I am a representational painter that works primarily in oils. Oils are a flexible and forgiving medium, able to achieve a wide range of effects, yet one can paint or scrape the inevitable mistakes. I am enjoying learning more about acrylics and abstract painting.
Favorite piece? And why?
I have several favorites, but Intermezzo and Shelter’s Comforting Reach are near the top because their color and simple compositions spark a memory, like a snapshot of a fleeting moment that one can return to again and again.
What are your future goals?
To continue to learn through play and study, to become a better painter and paint larger pieces. I’d like to continue to enter and exhibit in local and national shows. Sharing my thoughts and new paintings with my email subscribers is such a joy. That’s a connection that I’d like to foster.
Tips for beginners?
Start locally! There are art groups everywhere, organizations like Rappahannock Art League and other groups offer classes and community for beginners. Don’t get discouraged. Have fun and explore the medium, enjoy the puzzle of it all. I always try to remember that there is no such thing as a “perfect painting,” just ones left in interesting places.
Among her accomplishments, Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional Juried Exhibition, “Intermezzo”; American Impressionist Society 19th Annual National Juried Exhibition, “Sunday Detour”; AIS Wet Paint Award sponsored by Plein Air Magazine, “Ticket to Ride”; Rappahannock Art League Sharon Mundy Memorial Award, “Plucky Patrol”; Rappahannock Art League Pat O’Shaughnessy Memorial Award, “Early Run”.
Find Wende at:
Website: Wende.fineartstudioonline.com
Facebook: Wende Szyperski Fine Artist
Instagram: Wende Szyperski.fineart
