Wendy Wheeler Jacobs’ artistic journey began with an inspiring high school art instructor, which led her to pursue a studio art degree in college.

As a trail runner and backpacker, she often finds herself surrounded by breathtaking subject matter, inspiring her to create works of art. Wheeler’s preferred mediums are watercolor and acrylic, and she also dabbles in colored pencil work. Her unique style is a mix of realism and impressionism, capturing everything from landscapes to portraits of trees, flowers, rocks and other natural objects, as well as birds and pets.

In recent years, Wheeler Jacobs has become more involved in plein air painting, which involves quickly capturing a scenes while out on the trail. It’s like speed dating for artists — but with nature.

Wheeler Jacobs is also a dedicated volunteer with the Dry Canyon Art Association. She currently is the “Lend Me Your Walls” manager for Feast Food Co. and has worked at the welcome desk at nearly all of the organization’s art shows.

One of Wheeler Jacobs’ greatest accomplishment in her art is having one of her paintings selected to represent the Hardrock 100-mile run, an event she will be participating in this summer. The painting is currently on posters for materials advertising the event, shown in the Denver Airport, and will be a gift for everyone who finishes the run.

But she didn’t just design the posters, Wheeler Jacobs is competing at Hardrock as well. She plans to spend time this July in Colorado training and acclimatizing for the Hardrock 100. When she’s not running, Wheeler Jacobs said she hopes to have more downtime to do some painting. She also hopes to participate in one more First Friday showing in Redmond, but summers are always busy.

When it comes to staying motivated, Wendy doesn’t have any issues with motivation but rather with finding the time to paint. She still works two jobs and volunteers, so finding time for her art can be a challenge. However, she did the most painting she has ever done during the beginning of COVID.

Wheeler Jacobs said she is excited about the future of the Dry Canyon Art Association and encourages others to get involved. She believes that everyone should contribute to keep the organization going and help it grow.

Currently, she is part of a show at the Josephy Art Center in Joseph, which is a tribute to her high school art instructor and features some of his former students. The show runs through July 22, and one of her paintings is also featured on the poster for the event.

To learn more about Wendy and her art, you can visit her website at thepaintgeek.com or follow her on Instagram and Facebook.