We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wendy Marquis a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Wendy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

I began my art studies at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, majoring in graphic design and studio art. I then continued at the University of Arizona, where I earned my BFA. After graduating, I went straight to work for a graphic design studio in Boston—a huge learning experience. I watched a top designer in action and learned some tough, often intimidating lessons. But it was my full-time career, and I soaked up everything I could.

After gaining experience, I opened my own graphic design business. At that time, college didn’t teach us any business or marketing skills, and as someone who isn’t a numbers person, I had to learn money management and pricing the hard way. The school of hard knocks became my teacher. Through trial and error, I learned how to work with deadlines, manage client relationships, and calculate pricing.

Just as I found out I was pregnant, I was offered my dream job—the Art Director position at a magazine. Turning it down to focus on my baby was my first big lesson in decision-making, risk-taking, and following my heart.

Fast forward—I decided to expand my creative skills and took workshops in faux finishing. This led to a profitable and exciting career in New Hampshire, where I worked on high-end homes, hotels, wall murals, and furniture painting. I truly became a leader in that field.

In 2006, we moved to Montana, and I had to start over completely—no one knew who I was. I reinvented myself and began working as an oil and acrylic painter on canvas. I absolutely love it, though the income was far less stable than my previous business. To create more stability, I started teaching—totally outside my comfort zone as an introvert, but it gave me a steady income.

For 10 amazing years, I rented my DREAM studio—an old bank building with brick walls and a bank vault, the perfect space to paint, teach, and display my work. It was magical. But three years ago, I lost my husband, and soon after, I had to close my beloved studio. Not long after, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, which significantly impacted my ability to work and my income.

Despite these challenges, I have learned valuable lessons from hardship. Now, I am adapting, focusing my energy on what brings me joy and financial stability. I continue to take commissions, which provide a steady income, and I still do some teaching. I also have a fun side gig—renting out my sweet old 1960 Ford F100, which ties beautifully into my brand since I love painting vintage trucks.

Now, I can pursue my creativity more freely than ever, focusing on what truly makes my heart sing.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My artistic influences started from the time I was a child growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Every morning I walked down to breakfast past the art of masters like Picasso, Calder, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Thomas Hart Benton. Edward Hopper, Robert Indiana, Hieronymus Bosch, and Salvador Dali showed me what different statements art could make. The Hudson River School artists showed me how to paint the magnificence of this earth. My mother had a deep love for old vehicles, and her Jaguar XKE was my favorite. I inherited her appreciation for classic cars, which later expanded into a fascination with old trucks. Over time, these vehicles became more than just machines to me—they represent history, resilience, and the stories of the people who drove them. This passion finds its way into my art, where I capture the soul of these timeless relics, weaving nostalgia into every piece. When I discover an ancient truck, a classic vehicle, a barn, or a grain bin, I dream about the history and family story that lies within. To me, these machines and structures are a part of history. They became more than just machines to me—they represent history, resilience, and the stories of the people who drove them. This passion finds its way into my art, where I capture the soul of these timeless relics, weaving nostalgia into every piece. When I discover an ancient truck, a classic vehicle, a barn, or a grain bin, I dream about the history and family story that lies within. To me, these machines and structures are a part of history.

I am fascinated by the animals of the farm and ranch as well. I love to observe the rhythms of nature every spring when the calves arrive and the crops are planted. I know this cycle has happened for generations. These creatures are part of the landscape too. Through the subject matter, I choose to paint, and to tell the story of past and present rural Montana.
When I take on a commission, I think of it as a collaboration. I listen, absorb the clients ideas, and translate them into a painting that reflects their vision. Before the final piece, I create a study, ensuring every detail aligns with their expectations. Then I create the final piece.The result? A work of art that’s uniquely theirs, reflecting their memories and emotions. The feeling I get when the circle is complete is incredible. Completing someone’s vision and making it real for them is exhilarating.
Two major moments in my career stand out—painting a historic mural for the Inn at Church Landing in New Hampshire and being featured in the Wall Street Journal for my truck paintings, which led to sales across the U.S. It was a powerful lesson in the impact of exposure.
After losing my husband and battling breast cancer, my work has transformed. I once focused strictly on trucks, landscapes, and animals, maintaining a consistent style. Now, while I still paint these subjects, I’ve embraced abstract art and mixed media as a way to process emotions, creating work that flows intuitively.While I still create work in those genres, I’ve given
myself the freedom to explore artistically. Abstract art and mixed media have become powerful outlets for processing my emotions, allowing me to
create new pieces that seem to pour out of me intuitively.
When you look at my paintings, I invite you to step inside. Sit with the work, savor the moment, and immerse yourself in a distinct time and place—one that feels timeless. Let it be a space you return to again and again, lingering in its colors, textures, and story, whatever you imagine it to be.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I think that for many years I was an art machine. Because I needed the money so desperately, I took any jobs that came along. And did not charge enough because I was so insecure about my work. When I lived in New Hampshire I did so many jobs I didn’t love, from painting deceased pets for people to naked portraits of a home owner on her bathroom wall. But I did a lot of fabulous jobs too. And took a lot of risks that I learned from!! That includes estimating jobs that ended up taking way longer than the price I quoted. When I reinvented myself in Montana, I started doing greeting cards, lots of print on demand products and art festivals. I also built a website with originals, prints, merchandise and I also rent my truck out for rentals and photoshoots. And made myself learn how to teach which I was totally petrified to do. I have experienced complete and utter burn out from being spread to thin. NO life work balance whatsoever. I got sick from the stress. So, now I do less, but focus more energy on the things that make me the most money and give me a creative life that I want to have and not feel like an exhausted robot. This is such an important and powerful shift—moving from overwork and burnout to intention and balance. I feel that my journey shows the grit it takes to be a working artist, but also the wisdom that comes from choosing what truly serves me creatively and financially.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Creating a piece from my heart, seeing a viewer connect with it, and hearing their story—then watching it find a home with them—that’s the full circle of art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wendymarquis.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wendymarquisart/
• Facebook: WendyMarquis Art,Montana Artist
• Youtube: Wendy Marquis @WendyMarquistrucks

Image Credits

Credit for photo Wild Mountain Photography