Inspired By Color and Light

Written by R.K. Evans

Local Artist Linda Wilmes

For artist Linda Wilmes, each day is unique, and that’s the way she likes it.  This hard driven multi-tasker has learned over the years how to handle a full menu of activity, from doting on her family to teaching classes and painting murals.  “If I have a full day to devote to painting that is great,” she says.  “But many times there are appointments and a certain time to be at a certain place.  Most are related to my art or my large family.   Any window that I have to devote to my painting is fully embraced.”  Any time that Wilmes finds to dedicate to her passion is utilized to the fullest. 

Her latest project is a series of four large murals in the Rotunda area of the Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville, Missouri.  The building is still under construction, and will open sometime later this year.  She plans work and family life around upcoming shows and demonstrations and prepares with focused determination so that she can get back to the creative process with a clear head.  “Painting requires all of my thought, and both physical and emotional energy,” says Wilmes.  And after each painting competition, this dynamic extrovert finds herself spent and exhausted; having poured every ounce of effort she has into making it a success.

 

The artwork of Linda Wilmes is a thrill to behold.  Her original watercolor and acrylic pieces dazzle in color, and draw the eye to indulge in the warmth of sunlit brilliance and blankets of shadow.  She is inspired by light and color, and her work shows an intense focus on capturing a specific moment and illuminating it for art lovers and audiences across the country.  Her work flows from melancholy mood to vivacious attitude, and overflows with a creative, spiritual aura.  “The beauty of nature and being close to the earth has always presented a deep feeling of awe,” she explains.  “There is a spiritual connection with each sunrise, change of light, tone of atmosphere that engulfs me and resurfaces again when I pick up the brush.”

Wilmes has always been an artist.  As a preteen, she considered entering the convent, but eventually chose art as her way to give thanks and praise to God.  “I have always drawn,” she shares.  “In high school, I came to a final decision to become a full time artist, after much encouragement from friends, relatives and teachers.”  Wilmes began entering art shows, and displaying her paintings in businesses.  Her plan turned out to be a good one.  “Each little accomplishment added to my strong belief that I could ‘make it’ as an artist.”  After Wilmes got married, she and her husband began a family and have raised four children.  As expected, the needs of her family were numerous, and art had to take a back seat when the children were small.  She felt such a strong calling to teach art that she learned how to manage every bit of time she had to keep painting and teaching art classes.  Now Wilmes devotes one day each week to her grandchildren.  “I have found as I grow older that I have different priorities in my painting,” she states.  “I like to do more meaningful work – paintings with a strong message and emotional grab.”  This maven of creative expression is also interested in creating more “Americana/political and definitely more religious work”.  In fact, Wilmes already has sketches of several of these ideas ready to fulfill.  

As an accomplished muralist, Wilmes’ work is currently on display in the dome of St. Joseph’s church in Wentzville, Missouri along with eight large canvas paintings of saints and angels.  On her website, art lovers can view exquisite pieces such as “Purple Passion” and “Single Rose”, as well as hundreds of paintings and drawings of landscapes and buildings that were completed for commission or competition.  Her plein air work has successfully participated in many St. Louis competitions.
Wilmes is a member of the St. Louis Artists Guild, the St. Louis Watercolor Society, the Lake St. Louis Artists Association, the Gateway Pastel Artists and the Degas Pastel Society; andher work can be seen on several internet sites such asart_exchange.com, mowsart.com and colorimageart.com. She is in the process of illustrating a children’s book by writer Ruth Foster, and is a resident artist at Framations Art Gallery in St. Charles, with beautiful originals, prints and note cards available and on display.

For art on commission or for portraits, contact Linda Wilmes at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .