Interview With Sunshine Coast Artist Wendy Peters

About Inspiration and Beginnings

 

Can you tell us about your background and how you became an artist?

I was born and raised in London, but in 2004, my husband and I made the life-changing move to Australia. My artistic path is an unconventional one, as I am entirely self-taught and only discovered my true calling as a fine artist later in life. Throughout my life, I've always been closely connected to the creative world, having owned a women's clothing business, restored historic homes, and, most recently, worked as a cosmetic tattoo artist.

I hadn’t picked up a paintbrush since leaving school.  In 2019 a friend invited me to a 2-hour watercolour workshop, we would get a glass of champagne and nibbles.  It seemed like a fun thing to do.  Little did I know it would change the trajectory of my life!

We came out with the knowledge of how to paint a palm leaf, but I was absolutely inspired and hooked!! The next day I went to an art shop and bought some water colour paints, initially I painted some friends’ dogs and then started getting commissions. 

I wanted to paint with oils so I could work on canvas and create paintings that didn’t need to be framed under glass.  I started also painting botanicals and fell in love.

 

What influences your creative process? 

Walking in nature, I love how a white flower will have a multitude of colours in the petals, how the light creates warm and cool shadows, how a tiny gum nut has the most incredible flower inside.  I love the transient nature of flowers and to capture them in a moment in time.

 

Are there any specific artists, or personal experiences that have shaped your work?

I love Simon Barlow’s peonies; I think of him as the king of the peony.  Jenny Fusca paints beautiful botanicals.  I love the classicism of Diana Watsons botanicals.

 

How do you describe your artistic style? Has it evolved over time?

My artistic style is a modern, semi-abstract take on botanical still life. By working on a large scale and incorporating unique colour palettes, I aim to capture the beauty and magic of our world. I'm particularly drawn to the challenge of painting reflections, exploring the interplay of light, glass, and shadows.

 

What mediums or materials do you prefer to work with, and why?

I work with water mixable oils, purely because you can wash up with soap and water.  I do not use water to thin the paint although you can, I prefer using a gloss medium, it makes the paint look so rich.  I also prefer to paint on linen and sometimes leave the raw linen as a background as it looks so beautiful.

If I am creating a work with a textured background, I may use acrylic paint and work with palette knives.

 

Are there any themes or messages you aim to convey through your art?

In my work, I strive to capture the essence of the natural world, using a variety of mediums and techniques to experiment with light, shadow, and texture. Whether I'm working on a canvas, paper, wood, or aluminium panel, I am always searching for new ways to express the awe and wonder I feel when I am surrounded by nature.

With each piece I seek to bring the beauty and magic of the natural world into people’s homes, creating a sense of joy and meaningfulness.

 

Can you walk us through your typical creative process, from concept to finished piece?

I constantly collect photographic images of botanicals.  When I find one that I feel I must paint, I may crop, or rotate the image and then decide if I will completely change the colours, sometimes they may not be found in that particular flower not but adding a bold element, can create a magical feel. If I am painting a dark background, I will paint that first. 

I collect glass jars and vases from op shops and often photograph them outside in the sunlight to create beautiful shadows on the wall. 

 

Do you start with sketches, or do you dive straight into the final work?

I sketch using watercolour pencils as they melt into the oil paints.  I start with a grid if I am working on a large piece to get the perspective correct.

 

How do you decide on the colours, textures, and composition for a piece?

When I find an image I love or a photo I have taken myself, I play around cropping, and turning the image.

I lean towards certain colour palettes, particularly warm tones, burnt sienna, yellow ochre, terra rosa, vermillion, with pops of turquoise, shadow green, and yellow green. I rarely use a colour straight from the tube and I often dirty them down with neutral grey.

 

Do you have any rituals or habits that help you get into and stay in the right mindset for creating?

I don’t have rituals or habits but when in studio I like to listen to music, chillout, or dance music, I am not into rock music or heavy metal. Or I will listen to a podcast, I love Diary of a CEO, he interviews some really interesting people.

 

What was the most significant turning point in your career as an artist?

2024 had many significant moments for me, being chosen as an Art Lovers Australia Artist to watch.  Having my artwork chosen to be featured on Dream Home TV show, Being invited to exhibit a large painting at the Think Big Exhibition at Cooroy Butter Factory.  Seeing my art in Home Design Magazine. 

It is often hard to feel validated as an artist, and not have that imposter feeling.  2024 I said to myself, yes you are a professional artist!

 

What do you think is the biggest misconception about being an artist?

People often think when you say you are an artist, you just have a little hobby at home. 

They don’t realise it is a business and takes a huge amount of time and dedication, along with the admin, accounts, packing, shipping, photographing your work, uploading to online platforms.

 

What is the most rewarding part of being an artist for you?

To do something I love daily and be able to work from my home studio.  Meeting some beautiful and supportive art friends, we share our ups and downs, we lift each other up when we are down and cheer each other’s wins.

 

How do you want viewers to feel when they experience your art?

With each piece I seek to bring the beauty and magic of the natural world into people’s homes, creating a sense of joy, meaningfulness and calm.

 

What legacy do you hope to leave behind as an artist?

I want my legacy to be a celebration of the natural world—its beauty, fragility, and wonder. I hope that my art inspires others to pause and truly see the magic in everyday moments, like the interplay of light and shadow or the delicate hues of a flower. Beyond the artwork itself, I want to be remembered as someone who encouraged others to embrace their creativity, no matter where they are in life. My ultimate hope is that my paintings continue to bring joy, calm, and a deep appreciation for nature into the homes and hearts of those who view them.