Artist Statement
Several years ago I had a series of strokes that greatly changed my life. My neurologist recommended an art class as part of my rehabilitation. Since then, I have been painting at Artquest Studio with Amy Levine, my teacher and mentor. She has guided me and encouraged me through every step of my art journey – not an easy task with the deficits resulting from my strokes.
As I go more deeply into this art journey, I have begun to realize that my “deficits” may actually be assets. They have forced me to set new parameters to live and paint by. That, in turn, has allowed me to explore areas I may never have experienced. What a great opportunity for an artist! These life changes have provided me with a clarity and freedom I might not have achieved otherwise.
I have incorporated my extensive horticultural background into my paintings. I realize that I have always been an artist – I was just working in a different medium on a much larger canvas. My approaches to gardening and painting have an overall commonality. I start with the germ of an idea, and let the color and texture guide my composition. This can be risky, but so rewarding. In my latest work, I am continually searching for that fine balance between vibrant color and subtle neutrals and between layered textures and soft washes. This effect is achieved through the use of layered and highly textured impasto.
Solo Exhibitions
2008 Change is Good, Woman’s Club, Raleigh, NC
2008 Wanda Oates, Brass Grill
2007 Life’s Texture, Local Color Gallery, Raleigh, NC
2007 Wanda Oates, Crema on Fayetteville
2007 Wanda Oates Duke Raleigh Hospital
2006 Letting Go, Local Color Art Gallery, Raleigh, NC
2005 Wanda Oates Local Color Art Gallery, Raleigh, NC
Group Exhibitions
2008 Brueggers Cary, NC
2008 Peidmont Community College
2008 Crema on Fayetteville
2007 Featured artist in Exchange Gallery, Visual Art Exchange
2006 Visual Art Exchange, Raleigh, NC
2006 North Carolina Scenes Visual Art Exchange, Raleigh, NC
2005 NC Bar Association, People’s Choice Award Best Summer Scene,
Raleigh, NC
2005 Visual Art Exchange, Raleigh, NC
2005 Visual Art Exchange, Raleigh, NC
2005 Cameron Village Public Library, Two Woman Exhibit, Raleigh, NC
2005 Night of Dreams Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts,
Raleigh, NC
2002 Art Café, Wendell, NC
2003 Group Exhibit, Cup A Joe, Raleigh, NC
2002 Artworks Group Show, Raleigh, NC
2001 North Hills Group Show, Raleigh, NC
Gallery
Affiliations
2004 – present Local Color Art Gallery, founding member Raleigh, NC
2004 – present Visual Art Exchange
2006 Juried into Visual Art Exchange Collector’s Gallery
2007 Juried into VAE Exchange Gallery
Other Art Venues
2006 -2008 Crema on Fayetteville
2005 – 2006 Est Est Est, Raleigh, NC
2004 – present Sweet Treats, Cary, NC
2003 – 2004 Magnolia Marketplace, Cary, NC
Collections
Robert Bostrom, corporate sponsor of Visual Art Exchange
Amy F. Levine, artist
Pace Realty Group
Related Activities
2007 Juried into live auction for WorksofHeart Art Auction
2007 Juried into live auction for The Love of Art Auction and Gala
2006 Juried into live auction for WorksofHeart Art Auction
2006 Inclusion of artwork in 2007 Junior League of Raleigh calendar
2006 Local Color Art Gallery, Plein Air Event, co-chairperson
2005 – present Visual Art Exchange, exhibit committee, special events
