Arts

Art Scoop: Toni Wells’ Artistic Journey

“Mama” by Toni Wells

When I was young, my grandmother vividly described details and colours, textures, smells, and sensations of what she saw on her travels. I was entranced. It was so easy to imagine being there with her.

As an adult, I realized that I inherited many of her creative skills, including her ability to see and recall details. And it is an integrated part of who I am as an artist.

All of us are born with some artistic skill in ‘seeing’ and interpreting what they see. It’s why five children the same age will all draw an object five different ways. My mother taught us to draw, paint, and to create many other crafts.

“September Stroll” by Toni Wells

I cannot imagine my life without Art. I adored Emily Carr, Georgia O’Keefe, the Group of Seven, and illustrators such as Arthur Rackham.

After attending the Fine Arts Program at the University of Windsor, my career focused mostly on Office Management.

However, I always told people that my last career — when I retired — would be in Art.

For the past three years, I have been living my dream. I am a member of several local Art groups in Windsor/Essex and my favourite is the Arts Society of Kingsville.

My work has been exhibited at the Leamington Arts Centre, Gibson Gallery, Art Chamber, Artcite, and the Carnegie Arts and Visitors Centre.

My first solo show, “What a Wonderful World!” was two years ago at the LAC and I was a feature artist in “Drive” Magazine.

My upcoming solo show at the Carnegie starting on June 8-27, 2022 continues with my theme of the natural world around us.

During COVID, we explored 13 local parks and conservation areas.

Some of these photos are now painted memories with my written “stories” that I hope to share with you in June. The reception is June 12, so I hope to see you all there!

When did I become an artist? I don’t know. It’s just something inside that you feel, that you know and it happens to anyone at any age. I am known for my portraits, landscapes and abstracts.

Art is a never-ending learning curve — new subjects, techniques, materials, new tools.

“October in the Pinery” by Toni Wells

I maintain an “idea file” of techniques or subjects — mostly photos. As a result, I don’t ever recall experiencing “Artist’s Block.”

I also work on several pieces at one time. If I struggle with one, I leave it alone while I work on something else. It will wait for me and tell me what it needs later on.

My pieces have travelled across Canada and into the US. However, my topics are mostly local.

I live here in SW Ontario with its miles of lakes and rivers, beaches, marshes, wetlands, and forests that are home to our many endangered species. I am proud to live here. I celebrate that and I paint what I know best.

For sales and commissions, I can be reached by:

Email
tonimacd13@gmail.com

Facebook
Toni Wells

Instagram
tonimacd13

Or come on out to my show at the Carnegie in Kingsville in June!

All images provided by Toni Wells

3 Comments

  1. Great work!

  2. Great exhibit! Well worth the visit!

  3. Wonderful work, inspiring story

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