Wanta L. Davenport

"Art has always been a part of my life," says Wanta Davenport. "One of my earliest memories is of my mother painting china at the kitchen table. Later, she began painting roses in oil She would give me a paint brush and canvas board so that we might paint together "

Wanta studied Art and Education at Abilene University, Abilene, Texas; the University of Houston; the University of North Carolina, and continued her fine art studies under the personal tutelage of several nationally renowned artists. Over the years her award-winning impressionistic paintings have been featured in numerous juried, solo, and group exhibitions, including those in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands; Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, Houston, Texas; and Aiken, South Carolina.

"Oil on canvas is my medium of choice, " says Wanta. "Oil is so versatile in that it allows a wide latitude of expression form the softest of hues, to rich vibrant color I also enjoy the ability oil gives me to layer one color upon another. Each layer brings the painting to life so that it might dictate its own destiny. Some of my best pieces have been created when I just hold the brush and let he oils surprise me!"

Wanta's exquisite paintings have been featured in HOVIC Magazine St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Island. In 1992 she was honored as Artist of the Month in Aiken county Magazine. Her images have been licensed for women's wear and her Paintings and Prints are on display in numerous corporate and private collections worldwide.

"My Inspiration comes from life and the joy of living, " says Wanta. "The goal is not to achieve a photographic image but an impression of the subject I am painting. When a collector views one of my paintings I would like for it to bring to mind a treasured memo memory or a good feelings. I strive to mate a light, peaceful mood in my pieces.

"Wanta stretches her own canvas and uses only portrait grade for its superior texture. "I do not choose my oil paint by brand but by color, " says Wanta. " Not all manufacturers offer the same range of colors and each color can vary from brand to brand. For their versatility, I use only the finest quality flat sable brushes. Texture is important and I use many methods to create this effect such as layering paint, using gesso, sand, or wafer board.

"Wanta is a veteran art instructor and for more than thirty years she has conducted numerous workshops and demonstrations throughout the world.

Currently, she works out of her studio, Artistic Perceptions, in Augusta, Georgia. Her fine art originals and prints are distributed worldwide.