Artist Statement
Following the tradition of realism, my work attempts to explore light and shadow on objects through color and texture. My colored pencil pieces are created on a textured panel using a heated surface. The heat allows me to optimize the full potential of colored pencils and the panel enables me to present my work in frames without glass. The results are rich and saturated color pencil paintings!

When composing a still life, I most enjoy taking a moment to observe all the elements that encompass it and noticing how unique the fingerprint of God is, even in the simplicity of a piece of fruit. I enjoy the realization that my work is grounded in Christ, and I am reminded that I have an opportunity to communicate a narrative that is relevant to our culture without negating the glory of the Lord. This provides many opportunities for God’s grace to influence the finished products. The outcome does not depend on of my own self reliance; rather, God is the source of my talent.

3and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, 4to devise artistic designs, …
Exodus 31:3-4

I will continue to work on my skills while enjoying that which God has given to me. I look forward to what He has in store for me next.

Bio
Wendy Blackwell was born in New Mexico and relocated to Tucson, AZ in 2011.  Wendy creates her paintings on a textured panel while using a heated surface to optimize the full potential of her medium of choice; colored pencils. Following the tradition of realism, her work explores light and shadows on objects through color and texture and the results are rich and saturated color pencil still life paintings!  The varnished panels enables the artwork to be presented in a traditional manner in frames without glass.

She has pursued a non-traditional education outside the confinement of one program.  This has allowed her to seek broader instruction of national artists and living masters within specific mediums.  Her work reflects the discipline gained by this exposure.

Blackwell’s work has exhibited in galleries in northern and southern New Mexico and in Arizona.  Her paintings are included in many private residences, as well as public collections including, UAB Medicine Women’s & Infants Center, Birmingham, AL. Her artwork has publicly celebrated a hallmark of southern New Mexico. She holds memberships in the Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA), and the Tucson Colored Pencil Artist Association (TCPAA).