Heather Wylie

My name is Heather Wylie and I am a Texas artist.

I'm a natural artist. I'm inspired by the world around me. My work is defined by bright colors, unique texture, and animal imagery. 
Photo Credit of Family Portrait: Hallie Sosolik Photography

About the Artist 

Welcome! Art is my passion and has been a life-long journey rooted in family tradition and guided by the mentorship of Texas artist Katherine Pittman. From childhood visits to art openings and museum exhibitions with my grandparents to the formative years spent refining my style and craft under Pittman's tutelage, my artistic evolution has been colored by these meaningful personal experiences.
I live in San Angelo, Texas with my husband, Zach, our sweet children, and our six pets (Arthur, Holly, Calvin, Myrrh, Frankincense, and Hobbes). Purchases from me - either art or a book - help support my family, so thank you! 

Artistic Syle 

My artistic journey encompasses an array of mediums including acrylics, digital art, watercolors, oils, and gouache. Bold, dynamic use of color defines my signature style. I love capturing the natural world in my work. Art is about perception (one of my late father's favorite topics) - and I love showing my audience my perception of the world. My subject matter also defines my work; I have always loved animals. As a child, I grew up with many pets and loved stories with animal characters. This love of the natural world followed me to adulthood. In graduate school I studied animal imagery in medieval literature and explored the meaning of animals in text. I consider the deeper meaning of animal imagery in my artwork. Through careful, colorful compositions, I aim to evoke a sense of wonder and delight in every viewer. 

Background 

I began my current artistic focus and journey when I was fifteen years old (before that, beginning when I was eleven years old, I made porcelain dolls). With over a decade of dedicated study under Katherine Pittman, I have honed my skills and developed a unique voice as an artist that pays homage to her influence while embracing my own creative vision. It is because of the way Pittman's mentorship continues to shape me as an artist -  that I left my job as a financial advisor in 2020 to begin my own art business, The Wunjo Gallery. I rebranded in 2022. I was so grateful for the two years that I'd worked to build The Wunjo Gallery. While my mission is to still share the joy that I have when I create art, I'm ready to more fully connect to the pieces I make and I want that reflected in my studio name - my name. In 2023 my creative focus shifted away from commission work and making so many physical pieces of art to storytelling. I released my first children's book, which you can find here about some Texas animals. You can see more of my illustrative work on the illustrations page and more of my books here. 

Inspiration 

Nature serves as  inspiration for my work; it is endless and unique. I enjoy nothing more than trips to the Big Bend region of Texas and always leave that place feeling deeply inspired by the kaleidoscope of colors and patterns.  Whether capturing the beauty of a desert cactus or the magical presence of a wild animal, each piece is a homage to the beauty of the world around me. 

Exhibitions and Publications 

My portfolio is diverse.  My artwork has been showcased in prestigious exhibitions such as the Stribling Art Show in San Angelo, Texas and the Tin Barn Gallery and Forge at Jackass Flats, Texas. My landing page gives a preview of some of my favorite pieces. Additionally, select pieces have been featured in art publications from Angelo State University and I have illustrated several children's books. 

Creative Philosophy 

Painting is not just my craft, it is also a source of profound joy and fulfillment. The relationship between art and artist is symbiotic (just as my home and life are colorful and full of joy, so is my art). My mission is both simple and profound: I am driven to share the joy, wonder, and information about the natural world through my artwork. 

Motivation and Influence 

The creative process can be challenging. I attempt to work consistently; a challenge with two small children. I often reference the teachings of my art mentor, Katherine Pittman. Her legacy and style lives on in every stroke of my brush (or these days, my digital pencil), reminding me to stay true to my vision as an artist and to never lose sight of the power of art. 

Impact 

All art is political. While my primary goal as an artist is to spread joy through my art, I also want to educate people about animals and the natural world - something so precious and finite. I want to touch the hearts and minds of viewers around the world. I believe that art has the power to transcend boundaries and unite people in the shared appreciation of the creative process. With each piece, I hope to spark joy and inspire others, leaving a lasting impression on all who encounter my work. I often think of my secondary, but equally important goal, of education. Sir David Attenborough said: "If children don't grow up knowing about nature and appreciating it, they will not understand it, and if they don't understand it, they won't protect it...and if they don't protect it, who will?" Educating children about animals and the natural world remains a critically important mission for me. 

Future Endeavors

As I look to the future, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the next chapters of my artistic journey. 

A video of my process: 

Testimonials

Picture
"The original looks so nice on my wall. I smile every time I walk by it." 

Brandy, Texas 
Picture
"It's amazing! I love the details!" 

​Zach, Texas