DCAA Member Profile
Wendy Wheeler-Jacobs
Bio:
I create portraits of the natural world — whether birds, animals, trees, mountains, flowers or rocks — drawn from countless hours spent immersed in the Central Oregon landscape. My work reflects not only the scenic beauty of the region but also the recreational spirit it fosters: climbers, paragliders, winding hiking trails, and the flora and fauna observed on early morning trail runs.
Watercolor is my primary tool, chosen for the not-always predictable interactions between pigment and paper that create delightful moments. I will also work in acrylic or colored pencil where I want to capture a little more realism or what I would call "saturated realism". Therefore, my style shifts between impressionistic and realistic, depending on the subject, mood, and tools used. I also love to paint outdoors, where I can respond directly to light and atmosphere, engaging all the senses to capture not just a view... but a feeling of a place in time.
Artist Statement:
Wendy Wheeler Jacobs majored in Studio Art and Graphic Communications, launching her creative career as a freelance illustrator and sign painter. She spent nearly two decades at Microsoft, designing packaging, logos, and user interface elements before returning to her home state of Oregon. Now based in Redmond, Wendy continues to work as a brand consultant while dedicating more time to painting and outdoor exploration.
Her preferred medium is watercolor, though she also works in acrylic and colored pencil. Wendy’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in her lifelong love of nature and her professional background in visual design. She can often be found in the early mornings at Smith Rock State Park — either trail running with her best friend (who is often a subject for her pet portraits) or painting en plein air.
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