Enjoy the portfolio of painter Wendy Marquis, whose rural scenes capture the open land, fresh air and vintage vehicles. See more of her work by visiting her website.
![painting of an old rusted truck by Wendy Marquis](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Off-Kilter-2.jpg)
“Off Kilter” oil on canvas, 40″ x 30″
Born into an artistic family and the cultural environment of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, I grew up exposed to the works of the great masters. My parents instilled a strong work ethic and a curiosity for learning.
![Barn in rural Montana](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Natures-Medicine-2.jpg)
“Nature’s Medicine” oil on panel, 20″ x 16″
We spent time in the museums but also in little towns and countrysides of Pennsylvania. Both the artist and the country girl blossomed inside of me. My mother had a penchant for classic old cars, which sparked my interest in vintage trucks.
![Painting of a truck on a country road](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Leaving-it-All-Behind-2.jpg)
“Leaving it all Behind” oil on canvas, 24″ x 30″
I eventually progressed to the School of the Museum of Fine arts in Boston and graduated with a BFA from the University of Arizona. My husband and I raised our two daughters as I was working as an established muralist and faux finisher.
![Rural landscape painting](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/SetYourself-Free-2.jpg)
“Set Yourself Free” oil on canvas, 20″ x 16″
In 2006, we moved from New Hampshire to Montana. Sixteen years later, I have reinvented myself as a prolific painter of what I like to call rural romance: big blue skies, billowy clouds, tall grasses, barns, and the old trucks embedded in the landscapes.
![painting of an old truck in the weeds](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Sunsplashed-2-e1673136484901.jpg)
“Sun Splashed” oil on canvas, 48″ x 36″
I also am drawn to paint the animals of the farms and ranches of the western landscape as well. The ones that I want to paint possess a particularly whimsical energy. I enjoy the challenge of solving the puzzle of composition and color.
![oil painting of two cows](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/TheJerseyGirls-2.jpg)
“The Jersey Girls” oil on canvas, 16″ x 20″
Often, I take pieces from different scenes and put them together in one painting. I prefer to paint scenes late in the day or early in the morning, when the shadows are long and creates strong contrasts of light and dark.
![painting of two donkeys at a fence](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Monket-see-Monkey-do-2.jpg)
“Monkey See, Monkey Do” oil on canvas, 16″ x 20″
With grit and a lot of seventy-hour work weeks, I have contributed my heart and soul to my lifelong goal of being a professional artist. Every morning when I wake up, I feel the need to paint as much as I need to breathe. I am happiest when I am in my studio painting, as the Montana sun shines through the windows, music is playing, and my dogs are at my feet.
![Red barn in a countryside](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Where-Man-and-Nature-Meet-2.jpg)
“Where Man and Nature Meet” oil on canvas, 24″ x 30″
When you stand in front of one of my paintings, I invite you into the space that I have created on the canvas. Feel the warmth of the Montana sun and the unique light of this captivating place.
![Driving away in a pickup truck](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Wendy-driving-away-2.jpg)
“My Ride” Artist Wendy Marquis in her classic pickup. Photo credit: Louise Johns for The Wall Street Journal
I revel in the experience when a viewer connects spiritually to one of my paintings. There is some kind of magic that happens there when a painting and a person find each other. And when that person becomes a collector, the circle of my creativity is complete.
Wendy Marquis invites you to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
Wendy,
Your paintings are wonderful. I can see the enthusiasm and joy in each painting. the colors and subjects are sentimental and fun.
My favorite is Natures Medicine. The textures are excellent on all of them.