Today we’d like to introduce you to Megan Wimberley

Megan, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?

My mom is a western artist and I grew up watching her paint and draw. A lot of my early experience and learning came from watching her and asking her a lot of questions. I loved drawing horses and would practice drawing horses in the magazines we had around our house. I’m fortunate to have been able to learn a bit from my mom because I only had two art classes prior to college. In college I had a double major, one of which was fine art.

After college I started a photography business which was integral for learning the business skills that I use today. I eventually went back to school to get a Masters of Art Education from Boston University. I then taught k-12 students with learning differences for about 7 years while working on my art on the side. In 2016 my art business was gaining a lot of traction, but my goals were sidelined when I got increasingly ill. I was eventually diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and was able to get my RA in remission. I got back to painting and building my career back. I also developed the unique style I am recognized for today. In 2021 I moved with my partner to Yosemite National Park and that same year started Cowgirl Artists of America (CGA). Over the last few years has grown in big ways and we are offering so many opportunities and resources for artist. Art is a never ending journey and I’m always working on gaining skills, pushing my art forward, and growing my business.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Life, for all of us, has its ups and downs. There have been many challenges along the way, from health issues, to major life changes, and the bravery it takes to go on this journey we call an art career. The thing I’ve learned is that no matter what the struggle there is always something to learn. If I can keep that in mind, it creates opportunities out of challenges.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I specialize in Western and wildlife art with a bold colorful flair. Many times when artists bring in bold colors they move more toward abstraction, but I work hard to keep realism. Getting accuracy and detail is important to me. With such bold bright colors this can go wrong really easily, but I’ve developed my style and learned to solve these problems through innumerable hours of painting and exploring. I’m proud that I have developed something unique to me that is recognizable as my work.

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?

I don’t think the art industry can be predicted, at least not well, but the biggest issue upon us is AI and copyright violations. I think it is more important than ever to help to educate collectors and consumers about ethical art purchases. It is also important to teach new artists about ethical art creation, and that it is imperative that they do the work to develop skills and a vision and style that is unique to them. AI poses some major issues, but I think that ultimately it will remind people that the skills and talents of real artists are something truly incredible, and worth taking note of. Anyone can play around with making images from a prompt, but being able to create a work of art in which every choice is made thoughtfully, every cut/color/brushstroke/etc. is placed with intention– that will be astounding in a world where image creation is like a game of dice.

Artists and art is very special. Developing skill, talent, and vision does not happen overnight, and in society that is forever developing shortcuts, taking the journey into this artistic development may feel less and less appealing. But those of us who have been on that journey know that it is more worthwhile than you can imaging. You learn to “see” and create in ways that you never would have without the dedication to the work. Take the journey, make the ugly work so you can make the pretty work, and take the time to develop your vision and skill.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.meganwimberley.com www.cowgirlartistsofamerica.org
• Instagram: @megan.wimberley @cowgirlartistsofamerica

Image Credits
Headshot taken by Brittany Colt