Wayne Terry
Inside Wayne's Studio
Interview with Wayne Terry from drawing chalk Elvis portraits as a kid to finding the time to paint as an adult.
SP: How did you become interested in art?
WT: Like most people my interest in art started as a kid, drawing chalk Elvis portraits on the sidewalk and the blackboard at school - teacher not impressed. Later on, nude snow sculptures on my mom’s front lawn - neighbors not impressed. There was a lot of that early on.
SP: How would you describe your work to someone who has never seen it before?
WT: Take a look.
SP: Why do you think you are compelled to paint portraits?
WT: So many of our options and assumptions are based on one look at a persons face. Trying to get some of that feeling on canvas can be very compelling.
SP: How do you maintain momentum in your art practice?
WT: Maintaining momentum in art is not the problem, finding the time to do is.
SP: Are there subjects you prefer to paint?
WT: No I prefer a variety of subjects.
SP: Was your experience on Star Portraits different from what you thought it was going to be?
WT: Star Portrait experience - had no real yardstick to judge by. I did enjoy and found the process interesting. It was good working with people who obviously enjoy their work.
SP: Were you surprised to have Mike Holmes as the celebrity sitter?
WT: I was pleasantly surprised having Mike Holmes as a sitter. Renovating, building, cars, boats, cottages is something I’ve done forever. Having watched many of Mike’s shows, painting his portrait was more like painting someone you know, a friend, not some celebrity who is far removed from my life style.
SP: Where do you see yourself with your art in the future?
WT: I have so many ideas and directions that I’d like to explore, where I’ll end up - no Idea.
Wayne's portrait of Mike Holmes
Artist Stats
Born in Chatham, Ontario, Wayne Terry maintains his studio in Toronto, creating his works of art. His work has captured the attention of many private, government and corporate collectors including Canada Post, Ontario Tourism, Ministry of Industry and Trade and Environment Canada. Wayne is chiefly known for his remarkable series of oil paintings, created over the past 38 years, depicting the powerful and mystic relationships between man and nature, as handed down through the ages by North American aboriginal peoples.
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