Artist statement:

I am convinced that I live in Paradise. What other name could I call a place that greets me with such exquisite beauty wherever I turn? Not only am I fortunate to see this scenery but I am doubly blessed with the artistic talent to transpose the things I observe to a canvas that allows others to share in my delight.I have lived in northcentral Wisconsin since my husband and I retired in 2000.

 

Perched atop a ledge overlooking a native trout stream, my studio, Swallow Haven, abounds with the beauty of the northwoods, featuring landscapes, still lives and animal pastels inside and breathtaking scenery outside. I strive to paint images that people can take home with them as a reminder of the special time they’ve spent in this inspiring area. My paintings are available in many galleries in Northern Wisconsin, as well as in Door County.

 

Being an artist is much more than painting in my studio; it is something that follows me everywhere. Whether I am canoeing with friends, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, driving in my car or riding my horse, I see images that beg to be captured. I am constantly taking photos of things I want to paint.

 

In my search to acquire a firm grounding in the arts, I earned a fine arts degree at Lakeland College under the guidance of Bill and Denise Presnell Weidner. Over the years I have had the privilege to study under several gifted instructors. I took classes at the Peninsula School of Arts with James Ingerson and Rosemary Utzinger and studied with Anne Templeton, a well known southwestern artist at the Ghost Ranch in New Mexico. Even more important is the network of artists that I have painted with and learned from since I became an active artist. Critiques with them have been a valuable learning tool.My preferred medium is pastels. For canvas I use suede matboard. I am able to achieve a certain degree of softness plus surprisingly good clarity with this combination.

 

I have been a member of the Northwoods Art Tour for many years and have taught classes for the Manito and Lakeland Art Leagues. Swallow Haven Studio, near Tomahawk, Wis., is open by appointment year around.

 

Biography: Andrea (Andy) Fenner has lived in northern Wisconsin for ten years now. Her studio, Swallow Haven, is perched atop a ledge overlooking a native trout stream near Tomahawk. She paints many subjects, specializing in depicting the beauty of her surroundings. The medium she uses is hard pastels on suede mat board.Andy has a bachelor's degree in fine art. She has taught classes for the Manito and Lakeland Art Leagues. Her paintings can be found at Moondeer and Friends, Boulder Junction; River Woods Gallery, Eagle River; Parkside Gallery, Minocqua; Artist Palette and Gallery 51, Manitowish Waters; Riverrun Gallery, McNaughton; and The Paint Box Gallery in Ephram, Door County.Swallow Haven Studio is one of the stops on the Northwoods Art Tour. The studio is open to the public by appointment year around.