Wendy Nygaard Charters
As the youngest in a family of European artisans, I learned to appreciate my father’s fine craftsmanship & the creativity of my gifted siblings, however my own imagination was nurtured amongst the forests, creeks & canyons of Lynn Valley in the 60’s – 70’s where I was set free to roam.
The magnificent creativity of Nature, whether derived by natural forces or by the human hand and imagination, continues to be a source of awe for me, however any personal representation of this excitement on canvas came late & as something of a surprise.
I have known many wonderful artists over the years & continue to be grateful for their teachings, however my first tutors were the natural world & my family. From them & others I have learned to see in unexpected ways, to learn constantly, & to be unafraid in the midst of much greater talent than I.
I paint in acrylics and am striving to move farther from realism & historical imagery to a more imaginative and creative representation of that which excites me.
Please drop by the Coastal Art Gallery in Sunnycrest Mall for an up-close view of my paintings.
Summer's Trail. A place many of us go often. Ever changing light / dark...from Winter to Summer and back again. You can climb over the fence to get a better look at the river at this spot.
Winter's Trail - Same trail but the light and colours are away for the winter. Even in winter it's a wonderful place to find yourself.
Glorious Golden Tofino! Look closely and you'll see a child running from the approaching dark and tide.
Good Work on the Bay - A gardener cleaning up his fence, a tug towing a log boom up the Salish Sea, and what's that? a Boat House being towed to ...perhaps its new home. The rest of the story can be written by the viewer.
Summer of '71 - The photograph for this painting was taken at Cat Lake by my friend Sheila. I had no knowledge of the lovely image until she sent it to me out of the blue 8 years ago. With each stroke of the brush I re-experienced the great joy and memories of that magical time and place.
The Little Green House, A 'Story' Painted during Covid
Sophia's House - How it was in memories, ....and perhaps how it will look again. Both Dad and daughter who were raised here have moved on. (Commission)
Red Rooffs - Do you recognize it? The Little Green House from a different angle.
The Jensen Home in Fredrikstad, Norway where many generations and families survived wars ...and outdoor plumbing. My mother's first home.
The Car Show - every year a different group of cars stop to enjoy the view on their way home.
An Old English Car Guy with Salty
The Swimming Pool. Do you recognize it? Then perhaps you played there too! Ambleside Pool on Opening Day, 1954. 'Borrowed' and re-created from the North Vancouver Archives.
A Cool Morgan beside friends in the shade of the apple tree. Pender Harbour Car Show.
On the shores of the Salish Sea we often sleep under a Popsicle Sky!
After 35 years on the rails, the engines cease to rumble, but the history and memories belong to this engineer. (Commission)
Ten Thousand Years - I made this painting during Covid when feelings of disconnect were at their highest. Without trespassing, my eyes and heart took in what they could of the beauty that our First Nation neighbours have enjoyed for so long.
Brave - Just a little farther, or we can wait here and it will come to us
Summer, Late Afternoon ... on Davis Bay