Local Face : Wendy Lewis
Daughter of a heating engineer father and secretary mother, Wendy Lewis was born and grew up in Warwickshire. Her mother wrote and told imaginative stories to Wendy throughout her childhood which encouraged her to write and draw from an early age.
Wendy originally trained as a classical ballet dancer and was a Royal Ballet scholar until her early teens. At school her teacher recognised that she had a considerable ability for art and this led her to apply to art school. She first went to Sutton Coldfield School of Art and began to learn the rigorous discipline of drawing and painting. She then moved up to Birmingham School of Art and Design. Three further years were spent studying graphics and illustration. Whilst there her first three children’s picture books were published.
Working towards applying to the Royal College of Art she prepared her work diligently as she knew that there was fierce competition. After a whole week of tests and interviews she was awarded a place at this prestigious institution and there she attained her M.A. Seven years art education stood her in good stead for making the serious commitment of being an artist. A Senior Lecturing career ensued with a myriad freelance art commissions. She worked for many National and International publishing houses and has subsequently illustrated 44 titles, 3 of which she has also written. A BBC children’s TV series followed after the success of being listed in the Top Ten of the ‘Children’s Book Federation’ picture book awards.
Wendy helped to prepare students for submission to the RCA and a few select students became successful candidates. Living in Harrow as it was close to her work and being on the Chiltern line, it was natural for Wendy to explore this glorious Buckinghamshire area. It wasn’t long before she decided that Wendover is where she wanted to live.
Wendy has found inspiration for many of her subjects from historic figures and local places in Wendover and the surrounding area. This is evident in her most recent works in oil, water colour and fine drawing, all of which resonate with a sense of place.
In her new work place, ‘The Loft’ studio and gallery Wendy continues to welcome locals and visitors alike. ‘The Loft’ is a delight from where Wendy paints, draws, writes and will soon be tutoring a NEW beginner’s drawing and painting group starting in September. The Barn Courtyard next to Antiques at Wendover is where her studio can be found. From postcards to limited edition prints, charcoal and pencil drawings to large water colour and oil paintings, it’s all there. The Barn courtyard offers an art gallery, bric a brac, gifts, framing service, jewellery and a tea shop.
A regular Bucks Open Studios participant and Artist Demonstrator at Art in Action, Wendy is a totally dedicated and long established artist, who believes that she has something unique to offer and would like to thank Wendover for its friendliness and generosity and in particular the church of St Mary’s where she worships.
In return Wendy would like to reciprocate and extends a warm welcome to ALL at her studio/gallery.