Wanda Choate

Artist Statement

I grew up on a farm outside of Nashville, and spent my summers running on smooth worn cow paths, crouching in creeks, riding ponies and picking blackberries. Always, I think, there was this wonderful desire to create, to build, to make something beautiful out of nothing.

The path of my life has brought me to live in a garden, an oasis with a creek... water splashing and smooth brick paths beneath my feet, birds, koi, I need a good dog. Life is good.

I am mostly self-taught, and have had marvelous workshops with Ann Templeton, Sherrie McGraw, Dawn Whitelaw, Zhiwei Tu, Michael Shane Neal, and Ron Hicks.

My painting, "Tornado Time", hung with the Oil Painters of America in the Eastern Regional, and has been published by International Artists. I have received many top honors, including Best of Show at the Central South Juried Exhibition, and People's Choice Award at the Equine of America Exhibition. I am grateful to be chosen 2005 artist for the American Heart Association "Hearts in Bloom" campaign. My work is found in some of the finest private and corporate collections in America .

Spring 2005 has brought a new path to my life with the completion of True North Studio. Lord willing, I will now spend summer days in my new studio, painting my childhood....walking railroad tracks at Grandmas' house, dropping from rope swings into creeks, riding horses, herding cattle in pastures, picking blackberries, peonies, and poppies.

I'm drawn to things Eastern, mysterious, lonesome. I paint what I love, I love to paint.