I love a place where the horizon stretches like an endless canvas. This wild place is a world teeming with unique creatures and international dark skies. So much land remains untouched by human hands. I have long been inspired by the rugged beauty of Far West Texas. It's impossible not to fall in love with a place when you see the sun set over purple mountains, black ravens fly in a cloudless blue sky, or see a band of javelinas stop traffic on the highway.
As an artist, I have a deep affection for animals and often depict them embarking on a colorful journeys. I grew up in an animal loving household. This love of wildlife has stayed with me throughout my life. Many of my ideas and my art comes from my academic background - steeped in the exploration of animal imagery in literature. My academic work focused on humans taking on animal traits, while my artwork focuses on animals taking on human traits. This work brings me deep joy.
As an artist, I have a deep affection for animals and often depict them embarking on a colorful journeys. I grew up in an animal loving household. This love of wildlife has stayed with me throughout my life. Many of my ideas and my art comes from my academic background - steeped in the exploration of animal imagery in literature. My academic work focused on humans taking on animal traits, while my artwork focuses on animals taking on human traits. This work brings me deep joy.
Javelina in Far West Texas taken by Heather Wylie
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Desert sunset taken by Heather Wylie
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I've wanted to write books my entire life. One of my first was written when my sister was two (it was not a flattering depiction of a little sister). My dad gave me an old laptop when I was in early high school and I would spend hours writing stories after school. I loved letting my mind wander while creating vivid worlds and multiple characters; I delighted in creating their epic journeys. My paternal grandfather, who lived with us at the time, wrote to his friends that he just knew I'd be a writer someday. That day has come and I wish he was here to see it.
I believe it is important to write what you know, and I know animals. My books center on animal facts, my love of learning new information, and I use my art background to vividly capture my subject matter. Using palettes with vivid hues and some broad strokes of my imagination, I love breathing life into the pages of my books. I want to share parts of the world I love with other people. From the elusive roadrunner to the majestic longhorn cattle, each creature has their own personality and charm, ready to enchant and enlighten curious young minds.
I believe it is important to write what you know, and I know animals. My books center on animal facts, my love of learning new information, and I use my art background to vividly capture my subject matter. Using palettes with vivid hues and some broad strokes of my imagination, I love breathing life into the pages of my books. I want to share parts of the world I love with other people. From the elusive roadrunner to the majestic longhorn cattle, each creature has their own personality and charm, ready to enchant and enlighten curious young minds.
Illustration in progress by Heather Wylie
The creation of Animal Friends of West Texas was more than just a literary endeavor—it was a labor of love, a tribute to the remarkable wildlife that calls Far West Texas home. I want to forge connections between humans and the natural world; educating young minds and emphasizing the importance of conservation. We have one precious planet and it's so important to work to protect her and her many residents. I hope young readers to appreciate the world around them by learning about it! My hope is for my young audience will learn to love Wild West Texas and its many inhabitants the same way I do.
I illustrate much of my work with digital tools. Carrying my tablet and digital pencils with me where I go and seeking out beautiful scenery, I seek to translate my passion for animals into vibrant visual representations that leap off the page and into the hearts of readers young and old alike. I love discovering new information and sharing it with others. If you've read my work and learned something new, I have accomplished my goal. Through Animal Friends of West Texas, I hope to instill a sense of wonder and appreciation for the rich animal life that surrounds us, inviting children to embark on their own adventures of discovery in the wild landscapes of West Texas.
I illustrate much of my work with digital tools. Carrying my tablet and digital pencils with me where I go and seeking out beautiful scenery, I seek to translate my passion for animals into vibrant visual representations that leap off the page and into the hearts of readers young and old alike. I love discovering new information and sharing it with others. If you've read my work and learned something new, I have accomplished my goal. Through Animal Friends of West Texas, I hope to instill a sense of wonder and appreciation for the rich animal life that surrounds us, inviting children to embark on their own adventures of discovery in the wild landscapes of West Texas.
Photo of open book pages by Heather Wylie
