Name
Eve Wheeler
Website & places you can find my work online
Website: www.EveWheelerArt.com
Blog: ArtbyEve.blogspot.com
Fine Art America: Eve Wheeler
Follow Eve on twitter: @artbyeve
Where am I?
Florida
Tell us a little about you. What is your background & where do you come from?
Our family lived in eight different states, before I graduated from high school. My father was in the military, and children like us were (and still are) called “military brats”. Although moving from one place to another was difficult at times, my sister and I always seemed to adapt. We enjoyed seeing many wonderful sites across the U.S., which was the hidden benefit of relocating.
During 9th-11th grades, I took art classes from a teacher named Camilla Armstrong. She taught me the use of many different media and strengthened my ability to draw. I soaked everything up like a sponge and took her instructions seriously (for a teen-ager). Camilla and my mother gave me the motivation to continue painting throughout college and thereafter.
I began selling artwork in 2003, when the volume of paintings started taking over our house.
In the past six years, I’ve completed hundreds of commissioned and non-commissioned works. I display artwork at local businesses, donate pieces to charities, and maintain several websites. Things are always evolving and it’s a very exciting journey.
When did you first start painting?
As soon as I was handed a paintbrush, which was at the age of five. I’ve been hooked ever since!
Is it easier to paint live subjects or landscapes?
It is typically easier to paint landscapes. They require less attention to detail than live subjects. However, architectural landscapes, which have multiple layers, take more time to complete. Whether I’m painting a landscape, still life, portrait, or animal, my overall goal is to create an image of beauty. And if it’s a commissioned painting, I only want to achieve what my customer has in mind.
You paint a variety of live subjects. What is your favorite animal to paint?
Horses! To me, they represent strength, beauty, and endurance. I also enjoy photographing them. They are simply amazing animals.
Who are your main influences?
Robert Lange, Margaret Carter Baumgaertner, Janet McGrath, Karin Jurick, and Amy Lind, to name a few. These artists are primarily figure painters. Their ability to capture light and shadows inspires me.
Do you (or did you) have an animal that is the muse behind your work?
No. Virtually any horse that enters my camera lens has a great chance of becoming a painting. Most of the images shown here are paintings of my friend’s or family member’s horses.
Do you have any secret rituals you do to help you get in the zone for your art?
Yes. Before I begin painting, I try to complete any household chores, run essential errands, and fill my stomach. After those things are accomplished, I can focus my mind on painting. That is why I tend to be in my studio, during the afternoon or evening.
Listening to my favorite music also relaxes me and triggers creativity.
Is there any particular place that brings you inspiration?
Walking into my art studio is a significant source of inspiration. For many years, the idea of having a comfortable painting space was merely a dream. Now that dream has become a reality.
There are many paintings hanging on the walls of my studio. The easel, brushes, canvases, and paints are readily accessible and the spacious windows allow in just enough light. I have a large basket of pictures and note cards with ideas written on them. When I’m ready to start another painting, I sift through the basket, and find the one I want to do next. There is no better feeling than waking up to workspace that’s ready to go. Sometimes I have to pinch myself.
What effect do you think the Internet will have on art in general?
The Internet will continue having a huge influence on art. It has enabled viewers to connect with a specific artist, across the globe. Relationships between web designers, art galleries, photographers, and other professionals will become even more important for the growth of businesses.
Many educational tools are immediately accessible on the Internet. You can learn how to paint virtually any subject, with a few clicks of the mouse. There are thousands of artists demonstrating painting techniques on You-Tube and their websites.Sharing information is now commonplace, which is such a positive thing.
The impact of passions colliding is immeasurable!
Has it had an effect on yours?
Most definitely! Using the Internet has allowed me to from the comfort of my home. Nearly every art transaction of mine is generated from the Internet.
Even commissioned paintings are accomplished via e-mail. It has made exchanging ideas much quicker and easier. Now anyone can view my paintings, once they are posted on-line. It is quite motivating to receive that instant feedback.
The Internet has also challenged my computer, writing, and marketing skills. It has required me to learn photography and how to manage blogs and websites. It will never replace face-to-face interactions, but it can serve as an introduction of who we are.
“It’s so nice to meet you!!”
Which is your personal favorite piece?
“Fearless” is my latest painting and my favorite horse piece to date. I love the colors, details, and movement. I also like the combination of people with animals. Tan Kian Khoon took the photograph, which inspired this painting.
Would you ever sell it?
Probably…but only after I painted another one for myself! I am my own biggest collector. There are some paintings that are very difficult to part with, due to the
personal connection and time involved creating them.
The walls of my house are decorated with my own works of art. Each has a memory or a thought behind them; they are like pages of a diary.
What else are you passionate about?
I could write a book about this question, but to put it simply… My greatest desire is to be a positive influence in the lives of others. I just love to put a smile on someone’s face!
If I can motivate individuals to explore their passions, then I have served my purpose
Working on anything new?
Yes, and here’s the photograph (taken by me) that I will use as a reference. This is my neighbor’s foal, which was born two weeks ago. Isn’t he adorable? New works of art are first placed on my blog for viewing, so please keep an eye out for it. The painting should be completed in by June 09. Feel free to use this picture for your own projects. I would love to see your versions.
Thank you for your interest in my artwork,
Eve Wheeler
More to Come
Thanks to Eve for answering the interview and sharing her art. Be sure to subscribe to her art blog for updates about her latest works.
Also stay tuned for more interviews with horse artists and photographers.
Are you a horse artist or do you know an equine artist you’d like to see featured? Add your name and website in the comments below or drop us a note to get involved.
EVE WHEELER SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE WHO IS PASSIONITE ABOUT HER ART. SHE’S THE TYPE OF PERSON THAT CAN INSPIRE OTHERS TO FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS.
Eve,
All I am able to say is, YOU ARE MY HERO ! ! !
All the best,
Joe, of Joe and Carl
Eve is a superb artist. I have been following her work for years and commissioned a few painting that net fantastic results!!
Great article Eve!!! Good for you! 🙂
Eve is responsible for my addiction to Blyth doll paintings. My girls have a unique bedroom and heirlooms to pass on to their children because of her love of all things beautiful. I can’t thank her enough and look forward to adding to the collection for years to come.
A great article about your art Eve–you are an inspiration to me! Eve painted my Mother’s portrait about a year after she died–Eve captured not only Mom’s beauty and grace but her very essence. Eve is an amazing artist and healer and a very very authentic and special woman.
Eve, your do an incredible job with your horse paintings. They are alive with both movement and color. It is definitely apparent that painting is your passion. I’m very impressed.
Eve is a personal friend of mine and I enjoy her work immensely. She has great insight of the mind, body and spirit and this shows in her work. I have enjoyed seeing her works in different locations and will continue to admire them. She is and will always be a compliment to the art profession.
Well spoken Jeff. Miss you two greatly!
Wow! Love your work.
Very nice work! I love “The Country Store”! I brought back memories of when I was little and my dad and I would ride horses up in the Catskills and stop at the country store for honey! Your artwork radiates good feelings!