About the Artist

Winnie Ferguson

Winnie at the easel preparing a canvas.

    A long love of art has led me down many paths in my life and after retirement a few years ago I finally am able to paint for myself. I derive great pleasure from nature and gardening which are the focus of many of my works. I am a colorist and my work reflects the light and color I find in the world.

    As a child I had no formal art training but spent happy hours drawing and reading. My family was always supportive and as I entered college I made an easy choice of careers to become an art teacher. In my life I had experienced some great teachers and the choice seemed perfect.

    As an art teacher I taught private students in my studio for nearly ten years in small classes where I was able to develop long relationships in groups for children and adults. Later as my own children were older I moved into teaching public school and taught high school art for nearly fifteen years. Later I returned to school and after receiving my doctorate I became a university professor of art education and art therapy.

    As I moved into retirement I have found my way to the joy of art for ME! I teach several open studio classes at the Cary, NC, Senior Center and find great pleasure with the adult students there. I have a small private class of young people which I teach in my own studio and teach small classes at the Cary Gallery of Artists where I am a founding member.  But  my greatest pleasure is to be at the easel and make my own art.

    I love catching the feelings of vacations on canvas. As I visit new places I look for sites that will stimulate me for a painting. Photos and quick sketches help me develop these pieces. Catching the light and colors in “plein aire” work is also a great experience for my work. As I work I hope to create works of art that bring the same joy to others that they bring to me.

Winnie Ferguson