Wendy Williams Latimer, Artist

Fiona, Farrah, Faustine, Francesca, Frieda & Fred, The Flamingos by Wendy Williams Latimer

My Artist Journey: Wendy Williams Latimer

My story in the Visual Arts is as much about a journey as a volunteer leader in Arts Organizations as it is about my quest to hone my painting skills.

I have loved to draw since childhood. My first art classes were in, and following, Middle School with our then local famous Teacher, Artist and Actor, Charles Napier. After a few classes in college, workshops were few and far between until my children graduated high school. Then, after years of creating art projects for my kids’ schools, in both Florida and Tennessee, I pursued professional watercolor instruction in the Nashville area, where we have lived since 1992.

With more time to now concentrate on my art, I also joined two big Art Organizations. Years of volunteer experience with PTA’s and community organizations had prepared me for what would become my next Season in Life. I found wonderful art communities and a pathway to deeply learn about growing as an artist.

Art organizations are always in need of volunteers so I quickly joined their boards. I have served several organizations since the year 2000. In doing so, I met so many talented artists locally and statewide. What a great education it has been for me. I continue to spend time helping other artists by coordinating over 150 artists for the Middle TN region of the Tennessee Watercolor Society, also for a group I started named “Art Colony” and advocating for all Visual Arts in Middle TN.

So when do I paint? Well, not as often as I should or as much as I need… But painting with watercolors has been my main focus through it all. I had been taking photographs and drawing all my life, so I had many resources from which to work. Over the years, I have had my favorite subjects to paint, which started with florals from my garden (Gifts from the Garden Series). I love trying to capture realistically their natural beauty.

I have enjoyed painting many subjects over the years. But in 2008, I also began a series of Whimsical Animals for a Children’s Library Exhibit. The series has grown over the years, as I worked on it periodically. I had exhibited only a few of the usual personalities at various Middle TN venues, such as Zelda the Zebra and Gina the Giraffe. Then my dedication to painting and framing the series, of mostly large pieces, culminated in a solo Gallery Exhibit in June 2022, in Nashville. I exhibited 20 of the animal paintings and some of the associated merchandise. Many friends and fellow artists honored me by attending the reception. I was so tickled about them seeing my secret collection. They were shocked at the size of the exhibit. They all asked when I had time to paint and where I had been hiding them?! Not only was this event a surprise for them but it was also a big surprise effort for myself. It was fun and a forever memory.

The greatest satisfaction for me, working as an artist , is when someone connects with one of my paintings. Success is when you know you have touched their heart or made them smile.  So I hope to continue to grow as a painter and to continue to be active in the Visual Arts Community. You can see some of my paintings on my website at WendyLatimerFineArt.com 

Wendy Williams Latimer