In the first week of December of 2019, I made my way up the frozen Maine coast to see my old friend who moved there to pursue her dream of opening and art gallery and shop. It was a lovely visit, and I was happily unaware of the coming public health crisis.

Whopaints Gallery is owned by Wendilee O’Brien. She sells paintings large and small, as well as lovely cards of her works. Now that we are all in various states of self-isolation, I am missing the spritied inspiration of my art friend, and it is a good time to remember my visit.

While it isn’t possible to physically visit now, Whopaints gallery has many riches for the art lover. Wendilee has completed training in Asian painting techniques in Japan (she speaks fluent Japanese!) and uses these skills to merge her contemporary vision with traditional technique. She renders lively interpretations of her home town of Winter Harbor Maine, representing it in all seasons and moods. Whopaints has a range of watercolor, pastel and oil works for sale; and Wendliee makes it a point to make her art accessible to all budgets.

Like everyone else, Wendilee has had to adapt to the current public health situation. She offers virtual studio tours, online classes and daily inspiration to her clients and followers. You can see her work on Instagram, Facebook, and on her website at Whopaints.com