Wendy Best

Artist • Writer • Teacher

Art has been part of my life since childhood. My mother was an artist and a musician, and my father was an inventor, so I was exposed early to creativity of all kinds. I wear many hats as an artist, since I create paintings in acrylic and oils plus detailed drawings in graphite. I am also a musician, writer, carpenter/builder and gardener and have taught of all these skills.

I spent my first 50 years on the East Coast. While my main interest in youth was music, in adulthood I began to paint landscapes. While I lived in Massachussets, I took a pivotal eight week course with renowned artist Leland Smith. This was the beginning of my formal art career. Currently, I specialize in plein air work or landscapes from my imagination, with an occasional fantasy piece thrown in for fun. I rarely work from photographs.

During visits with family in Great Britain, I was struck by the beauty of the architecture there. I began sketching some of the complex castles, houses, and cathedrals from London to Devon to York. England is where I honed my ability to draw buildings. I have spent my life building houses alongside my husband and this has helped me understand how buildings go together. My artistic background allows me to select pleasing aspects of any structure. Light and shadow play a huge part in graphite work.

Once my husband and I moved to Oregon, I began doing commission work in Hood River, White Salmon, and The Dalles. I have taught multiple classes to children and adults; participated in First Friday events in Hood River; curated the Hood River Library Art shows for several years; and have created multiple sets of cards featuring historic buildings in The Dalles, scenes of Mt. Hood, the Upper Hood River Valley, and beloved water scenes.

I live in Parkdale, Oregon with my husband, Dick. My husband and grown children (Jan Meyer in Hood River and Mike Best in Bozeman) have always been invaluable in supporting my artistic endeavors. I feel fortunate to live and work in this region, where my studio is a charming space in a rustic, refurbished barn with large doors that open to a spectacular view of Mt Hood. Come visit!