The art of persistence
This story was featured in the May 2019 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art May 2019 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
Brimming with sumptuous texture and color, the acrylic paintings of wildlife artist Vickie McMillan-Hayes appear realistic from afar. Up close, however, viewers see impasto and even areas of abstraction in her impressionistic portrayals of flora and fauna. McMillan-Hayes spent many years developing her expressive style after experiencing the onset of essential tremor, a nerve disorder that causes uncontrollable trembling in the hands and other areas of the body. The trembling started in the artist’s hands when she was just a teenager. Back then, she dreamed of becoming a respected photorealist. But as her tremors grew stronger over time, says the Texas native, “I either had to give up painting or redefine myself.”
McMillan-Hayes chose the latter, and today her trademark style has earned the artist prestigious accolades and spots in prominent exhibitions like Birds in Art and Night of Artists. She paints wildlife throughout the world, but some of her favorite subjects are the fauna of Africa, where McMillan-Hayes has traveled on numerous mission trips. While there, she has also spent ample time photographing and painting the land, its creatures, and their native habitats en plein air.
In her studio, the artist begins each work by applying thick layers of acrylic paint to her surfaces in large, sweeping brush strokes. Then, when applying fine details, McMillan-Hayes keeps her tremors under control by steadying the wrist of her painting hand with her other hand and holding her breath. “I look at nature to try to mimic its textures,” she says, “and then I add realism on top.” —Kim Agricola
McMillan-Hayes is represented by RS Hanna Gallery, Fredericksburg, TX.
This story was featured in the May 2019 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art May 2019 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
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