Meet Wendy Van Ryn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Van Ryn.

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I never considered myself an artist, to be honest! I drew here and there as a kid, but it wasn’t until I was an adult that I learned to draw digitally, in Adobe Illustrator.

I’d worked in an advertising agency and was fascinated by the artists’ work, so when I started my branding business, I decided to learn graphic design. A few years into that, I started a second business, licensing stationery and surface patterns.

Painting is something I really only dabbled in until a few years ago. I think it’s interesting, this almost backward-progression I’ve had from digital art to traditional, but it’s been a lot of fun!

Please tell us about your art.
I love color and texture, so I find myself making a lot of abstract art. I also love florals and have taken a couple of classes on those, but I prefer to get the gist of the idea and make it my own. I find that if I don’t love HOW I’m painting, I’ll never do it again! I’m not one to plan and sketch and be overly methodical… I have to just get it on the canvas and see where it goes…

One of my favorite quotes is anonymous and says “unseen and soon forgotten, the journey is the art.” For me, it’s the practice and the process of painting that represents the true art. The finished product is my exclamation point to that process…

My hope is that people would feel happy, inspired, and uplifted by my artwork.

We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I haven’t lived in Arizona long, but I’ve met a few people through Instagram. There are plenty of hashtags you can find people through #azartists, #gilbertartists, #phoenixartists, etc. The art league is another place to meet artists, as well – Gilbert particularly has an active art league.

Another great way to connect on a deeper level is to teach people to paint. People tell me constantly they “can’t paint” and I’ve got a couple of informal workshops set up next year to show them they can!

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I post my art on Instagram and Facebook under @colormaven.wendy. People interested in a particular piece can contact me through direct message there, or through email at colormavenwendy@gmail.com.

Contact Info:

• Email: colormavenwendy@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colormaven.wendy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colormavenwendy/

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