Featured Artist: Wendy Puerto

Wendy Puerto is a professional artist based in Essex. She has always enjoyed anything that involved art but had not thought it would be a career to pursue. When her children became adults she picked up her love for art and turned professional in 2004. She mostly works from her imagination to create some beautiful sunset and seascape paintings and the occasional abstract, landscape and portrait.

What prompted you to become an artist?

I was bored rigid working in an office or shop and was prompted to make a life changing decision after a car crash whilst on holiday in Spain.

How has your life as an artist affected your life?

I have finally found who I am and where I am going, and have real inner peace.

What does being an artist mean to you?

Being an artist is my very being, I express my innermost soul onto the canvas.

What is the hardest thing about making a living as an artist?

There is so much competition, especially on the web.

What are your current art career goals?

I would really like to open an art gallery and invite other artists along.

What different media have you worked with and which one do you prefer?

I work in most media but my favorite is acrylic for its versatility and fast drying. I am an impatient painter and need to get my idea onto the canvas as swiftly as possible.

What message would you like to convey with your art?

I like to create something special but still leave the viewer to get lost in their own thoughts, that way each painting will be different every time you look at it. Through my paintings, I also like to make a sometimes ugly world beautiful.

What are you currently working on?

I paint everyday and often have several on the go at any one time.

What inspires your work?

I get inspired by the world around me. I see a beautiful view and I store it in my memory.

Were there any major changes in your life that affected your career as an artist or impacted the direction of your work?

Yes, when I turned 50 I evaluated where I was going with my life and what would make me truly happy.

What is your opinion about art as a therapeutic device?

Having personally suffered severe bouts of depression throughout my life, I am a firm believer that art has a profound effect on our well being. Since becoming an artist I have not had one episode.

What is your personal definition of art?

Art is what you want it to be.

How do you stay motivated?

I am no saint and sometimes especially during the winter time I lose faith, I have learned not to worry and to just take some time out.

Who or what have been your greatest influences?

I am in awe of William Turners work for the way he captured the light so well and Monet for his great use of colour. I also love John Singer Sergeants Portraiture works.

What advice would you give to aspiring artist?

Work hard but be realistic as it will be a long road ahead of you and not many artists sell on a regular basis, so if you need to pay the bills, perhaps work part-time at a regular job but don’t give up. Find your own style and practice, practice, practice.

"The Lonesome Pine" by Wendy Puerto

See Wendy's Work