Meet the Artist

Wendy Dyer

A smiling person sitting in a chair with a hand on their chin, wearing a black top and patterned pants, near a window with hanging plants.

Woman with long brown hair in black top looks down and smiles, resting her chin on interlocked hands with a small dog at her chest.

Woman sitting with a sleeping dog on her lap, surrounded by indoor plants and cozy decor.

I believe that art has the power to preserve memories and tell stories that words cannot. With a deep appreciation for detail and emotion, I create custom portraits that bring subjects to life—whether through the delicate precision of colored pencil or the expressive depth of acrylic paint. Every piece is crafted with care, capturing not just a likeness but the unique essence of each individual. Based in Weaverville, NC, I work with clients across the country and globally to transform their cherished moments into timeless works of art.

I share my life with my husband, two boys and my sweet Cavapoo, finding inspiration in the love and laughter that fills our home. My studio is nestled within our space, allowing me to balance my role as a full-time mother and a part-time commission artist and wedding florist. Each piece I create is crafted with care, often in the quiet moments between family adventures, coffee breaks, and the joy of everyday life. This blend of artistry and motherhood brings a deep sense of meaning to my work, making every portrait a reflection of both passion and purpose.

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Tides of Creation: Growing Up an Artist on the San Juan Islands

Lime Kiln lighthouse amidst the twisted Madrona trees.

Driftwood forts were a staple of my childhood.

The Growbots are tiny sculptures my father continues to create.

Hand made replica of a river boat my father created over the years.

Lily of the valley illustration by Donna Dyer

Lily of the Valley illustration that my mom drew.

I was born and raised on a houseboat in the San Juan Islands, Washington, where the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest shaped my creative journey from the very beginning. My parents, both artists—my mother a fine artist and illustrator and my father a sculptor—created an environment where art was not just a pursuit, but a way of life. My father and sister are also musicians. Growing up surrounded by the rich wildlife of the islands, I was immersed in a world of color, texture, and form that fueled my own artistic exploration.

Living on the water meant my playground was the rugged shoreline, the driftwood, the rocky beaches, and the wild landscapes of the islands. The houseboat, small yet filled with character, became a canvas in itself—each corner, each surface, a testament to the creativity my parents nurtured. The rhythm of the tides and the quiet isolation of island life gave me time to observe, reflect, and create.

As a child, I watched my parents work, seeing firsthand the dedication and passion it took to bring a vision to life. Their influence shaped my perspective on art—not as something separate from life but as something that merges with the world around us. My mother taught me to see the world through the lens of color and light, while my father instilled in me a deep respect for form and structure. Together, they showed me that art is a language of its own, capable of expressing the indescribable and connecting us to the world in profound ways.

Throughout my career, I have gravitated toward photorealism, seeking to capture the world with a level of detail and precision that mirrors the clarity I see in nature. Whether it’s the reflection of a cloud on a still bay, the delicate veins in a leaf, or the play of light on water, my work aims to bring a heightened awareness to the beauty in the smallest details. The skillful rendering of light, texture, and shadow in my pieces is not just a technical challenge, but a way to communicate the quiet power of the natural world and its transient beauty.

Today, my work continues to be deeply informed by my upbringing on the houseboat and the lessons I learned from my parents. I explore themes of nature, form, and the relationship between environment and self. My artistic practice remains rooted in the belief that creativity is not confined to a studio, but is an ongoing dialogue with the world around us—a dialogue that began for me on the waters of the San Juan Islands.

Pointillism dragon that my mom drew.

Sloth Illustration my mom drew.

Wendy Dyer houseboat in Washington state

Our houseboat that my father built and my parents still live on.

A man and a woman standing together outdoors, smiling. The woman has long dark hair and is wearing glasses and a red sweater. The man has long brown hair, a beard, and is wearing a white shirt. The background is natural with trees and bushes.

My Mom and Dad

Two young children in winter clothing, standing in the snow. The older child is wearing a beanie, scarf, and a patterned sweater, while the younger child is wearing a scarf and a colorful sweater over a pink dress.

My sister and I

Woman holding a baby in a cozy room, sitting on a chair.

My favorite picture of my mom and I.

Orca whales are one of the most magical things to see in person. They often pass by the shores of the islands.

Mt. Baker is an ever present site on the horizon.