We had the good fortune of connecting with Ginger Whellock, Master WAOW, PSC, PAAC and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ginger, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My portfolio of ‘works’ begins when I was 3 years old. I have been drawing and painting for a very long time. My skills and education allowed me to teach academics to 6th graders. After relocated to Colorado, I moved on to business, working as an office manager, then assisted development of two start up companies and eventually, after selling a public company I started with 4 others in 1989, my husband suggested it was time for me to pursue my art career full time, which I did.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

I am a contemporary realist painter. In other words, I paint rather impressionistically, concentrating on the effect of light, shadow, color. My subject matter includes the beauty of landscapes, water scapes, still life, sunsets and sunrises, sea, buildings, mountains, snow, etc. I aim for meditation and stillness in my work and paint for many land conservation events. I believe that art on our walls should be quiet and soothing to counter our crazy, loud and aggressive world.

In 1999 I was accepted into galleries of fine art in Taos and Santa Fe NM. This was, and still is, one of the centers of exciting art in the US and a true honor for me to be represented by these high end galleries. I was also invited into galleries in Denver, Bozeman, and Boulder. Over many years from 1999 through to today, I have been juried into many professional organizations’ national or local shows. I have been juried into Colorado Governor’s Art Show, Pastel Society of Colorado, Stampede Western Invitational Exhibit, Richard Schmid Fine Art Auction, Representing the West, and others. I have also been juried into many national shows such as Oil Painters of America, American Impressionist Society, Women Artists of the West, Panhandle and Plains, National Oil and Acrylic Painters Society, Salon International, American Women Artists, Paint the Parks, Mountain Oyster Club, Southeastern Wildlife Exhibition, Easton Waterfowl Exhibition, Paint America and many more. I have also won many awards and honors at these shows and have earned Master Signature Status with Women Artists of the West, Signature Member Status with Pastel Society of Colorado and Plein Air Artists of Colorado.

Becoming a professional artist is very hard work. One must be dedicated to becoming a professional, spend hours honing your skills and challenge yourself towards growth and development. Essentially, once my grandkids were in their teens, I dedicated my life to growing into the best artist I could be and am still dedicated to that goal. Today, I love to pay it forward to other artists trying to grow significantly, by hosting a group of these artists in my home studio twice a month to paint together and learn from me absolutely for free.

My home is filled with my paintings and is open by appointment. I am currently showing my work in two local galleries and at numerous national organization shows across the country.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First, we must go for walks, with a snack lunch and a bottle of wine! We always visit Denver Art Museum and other shows that might be available locally and if available, we enjoy shows and music at Denver Center for the Performing Arts or Lone Tree Arts Center. We usually plan a 3 day trip to Santa Fe, a few days in Summit County enjoying the mountain air and hiking, some down time in our backyard garden while cooking fantastic meals in our own kitchen. I always suggest a local meal at Trestles and/or Crush! We love to visit Cherry Creek North for a bit of shopping and good food too. And now we can also enjoy all the new restaurants and shopping in downtown Castle Rock – a great and growing adventure!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband, John Whellock, for giving me the opportunity to paint full time was the biggest and best gift I have ever received. I am self taught in my profession and I give thanks to Richard Schmid, a very well known artist residing in Colorado for many years, and his book “Alla Prima – All I Know about Painting and More”. This book brought me from beginner to professional in painting and still guides me to this day.

Website: www.gingerwhellock.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/ginger.whellock/

Image Credits
Ginger Whellock.

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