Statement

I began painting stories in portraits as a way to process my emotions as I spent years in internal search for reasons to live. I had a few breaking points that changed my understanding of reality. Using a myriad of influences – emotions, thoughts, art history, mythical experiences and travel – I create symbolic, figurative art that explores the secrets and power of the Universe and our relationship to it. I made a promise to myself to paint the light world I want to see, feel and create, which is free of pain, judgement and fear. A collection of recent paintings and drawings is a meditation on the meaning of life. I want to inspire people to connect to their own soul and light to arrive at a deep state of peace, love and balance, forming a heart-centered world. Through the movement of figures, color, geometric symbols, and the natural world that express balance and harmony, I’d like to show the power of the Universe that exists inside us. All we need is to tap into that connection to see our own light and purpose. Infinite space, love, joy and creation.

Bio

Through figurative oil paintings and colored pencil art Veronica Winters, MFA, transports her viewers to another universe. In color, figure and symbols, the artist explores the interconnectedness of everything living to understand the meaning of life. She enjoys painting the relationship between mind, body and spirit, seeking to capture the secrets of the Universe. Symbolic and influenced by classical artistic traditions, Winters’ work serves as a tool—for herself and her viewers alike—to experience the healing potential of painting. Winters combines her imagination, realist training and divine guidance painting visual stories in art that contribute to creation of a heart-centered world filled with light.  

Born in Russia, Winters is a Florida-based portrait artist, instructor, and book author who is nationally recognized for her colored pencil drawing with the publication of the art instruction books titled The Colored Pencil Manual and How to Color Like an Artist by Dover Publications, NY. Veronica’s art and writing has been published in numerous magazines and art books, including Strokes of Genius, Leisure Painter, Colored Pencil Magazine, the Guide Artists, the Artist, the American Art Collector and the International Artist Magazine. The artist studied art at OSU (BFA), Penn State (MFA), the Grand Central Academy of Art and the Art Students League in New York.  

When did you realize you wanted to pursue art professionally?

When I relocated to the US, I had a bachelor's degree in business but I had no connection to it. So, I began taking art classes at Tulsa Community College for the fun of it over two decades ago. This is when I realized I loved being in class studying art! I felt excited and alive learning the basics.

Whether fellow artist or friend, who has continued to inspire your work?

Although I've never had a mentor or a long-time artist friend, I can say that my greatest supporter is my husband. He always bought me studio equipment, cameras, and paid for some of my education. He also gave me the time to develop as an artist. I'm grateful for that.  

What do you enjoy exploring through your art?

I enjoy painting altered states of consciousness and reality, which are places and feelings beyond our everyday, perceived reality. I use a myriad of influences – emotions, thoughts, art history, mythical experiences, and travel to create figurative art that explores the secrets and power of the Universe and our relationship to it. I made a promise to myself to paint the light world I want to see, feel and create, which is free of pain, judgement, and fear.  

A collection of recent paintings and drawings is a meditation on the meaning of life. I want to inspire people to connect to their own soul and light to arrive at a deep state of peace, love, and balance, forming a heart-centered world. Through the movement of figures, color, geometric symbols, and the natural world that expresses balance and harmony, I’d like to show the power of the Universe that exists inside us. All we need is to tap into that connection to see our own light and purpose. Infinite space, love, joy, and creation.

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Looking back, what advice do you wish you could give your younger self?

It's equally if not more important to work on relationships with other art professionals. I ignored this when I was young thinking that it would come along as I get better at art. Painting and networking are two different things that artists must pursue career-wise to have opportunities. Also, while the Internet helps, being present in the art scene in the city has advantages that small places just don't have.

What is one thing you hope your audience walks away with after experiencing/viewing your work?

That we are the One with the Universe and each other. We need to keep growing in our awareness to see through the noise and spread love and light, accepting our shadow.

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