Looking back, I realize fashion has been part of my art for as long as I can remember. Long before I painted portraits, I was drawing women in beautiful dresses. Looking back, I think my fascination began with the Sissi films my mother loved to watch. Those elegant gowns, graceful silhouettes and romantic worlds completely captured my imagination. Even then, I wasn’t just drawing dresses. I was drawing women with a certain presence and elegance.

That never really changed. I still love dresses, and I almost always choose clothing that feels elegant, feminine and timeless rather than fashionable. Personal style has always interested me far more than trends. Years later, working as a flight attendant only reinforced that feeling. We were trained to present ourselves with care and professionalism. Looking polished wasn’t about attracting attention; it was about showing respect for the people around you and taking pride in your appearance. That philosophy has stayed with me ever since.

During those years, I also trained as a professional makeup artist. What started as a creative interest quickly grew into something much bigger. I began collaborating with photographers, doing makeup for photoshoots and styling the models as well. I loved creating an entire image rather than focusing on just one element. It wasn’t only about beautiful makeup or beautiful clothes. It was about bringing everything together into one harmonious composition.

People often describe my style as elegant, and I think that’s probably the word that fits best. I like clothes that flatter the body without revealing too much. A dress can beautifully follow the lines of the waist and still remain refined. Personally, I would never combine a deep neckline with a very short skirt or an overly tight silhouette. That’s simply not who I am. To me, there is a clear difference between being feminine and trying to be sexy. I’ve never been interested in dressing to provoke. I’d much rather communicate confidence, elegance and quiet strength. Some people might even describe that as slightly conservative, and I’m perfectly comfortable with that.

The same philosophy appears in my paintings. The women I create are sensual, but never sexual. They may wear beautiful jewelry, luxurious fabrics or striking lipstick. They have presence without demanding attention. I want the viewer to be drawn in by their confidence, not by provocation. To me, elegance always leaves something to the imagination.

The same attention to detail finds its way into my own wardrobe. I can spend far too long choosing the right pair of earrings or deciding whether a silk scarf completes an outfit. Not because I want to impress anyone, but because I’ve always believed it’s the smallest details that bring everything together. That’s exactly how I approach my paintings. Every colour, every texture and every carefully chosen element has a purpose.

When I paint, I think about many of the same things I consider when getting dressed: balance, proportion, colour, texture and harmony. Getting dressed, to me, isn’t about following trends. It’s another way of composing an image. It’s about creating something that feels authentic and unmistakably your own.

Perhaps that’s why fashion has never felt separate from my work. Whether it’s a canvas, a dress, a vintage brooch or a beautifully tailored coat, I’m always searching for the same thing: elegance with character. So if you notice more personal style, beautiful interiors, inspiring hotels or carefully chosen objects appearing here in the future, don’t think I’m changing direction. I’m simply sharing more of the visual world that has always inspired my art.

 

Love,

Wendy