Artist Matilda Wentzel’s classes combine watercolors with mindfulness

By Debbie Adams

Matilda Wentzel believes she has always been an artist, but she also believes “everyone is in
some way; we all have a creative side; some use it one way and some another. The key is to
cultivate it. One idea gives birth to 10 more when we act on our inspirations!”

“I’ve always been encouraged to draw and paint; I remember getting really serious about it as a
teenager and pouring all my free time into it. My grandmother brought me to art class with the
late Mrs. Martha Rhodes who lived in Roanoke and was an amazing teacher, I was probably
about 10 years old when I began, and I remember telling her I didn’t like to paint, only to draw.
But Mrs. Rhodes encouraged me to try something new, and surprisingly she was right! Now I
devote my life to painting.”

Her current style and techniques are self-taught through many years of experimentation with lots
of different mediums.

On August 14, Wentzel shared her talents at the Charles R. Hill Community Center in Vinton in
an art class for adults and teens that combined watercolors, candle wax, and “mindfulness.” On
September 4 she will begin a new four-week session in the same location.

“That was actually the first one-time class I ever taught,” said Wentzel. “I usually I like to have
more consistency with people and let the classes build upon the last. I figured since these classes
are new to the area, a one-time class was a good way to get people interested. The best part about
the four-week class is the community aspect; people get familiar with each other and open up
quite a lot.

“I’ve had students say, ‘Thank you for creating a space for us to talk about our well being; there’s
no other place where I’ve been able to have conversations like this.’ ”

“The other differences are the specific projects; people gain confidence as they keep going and
they get a chance to ‘try again’ if they want to refine their specific goals – as well as letting the
art and mindfulness techniques build in more depth as the weeks go on.”

For those who attended the first class in Vinton, creating the art was inspiring, but the
mindfulness/meditation aspect through her quiet, soothing voice was extremely calming and
peaceful, almost magical.

That is one of her intentions.

“Many people never slow down, but one of art’s greatest gifts is ‘time.’ Creating takes time and
when we set aside time for ourselves it sends a message that we value our own well being. I have high expectations for my students to gain pivotal experiences in class that affect them long term
and not only for the few hours we are together. Mindfulness is a practice; it takes consistency
and an experiential understanding to get it to stick.”

Wentzel says she has not always connected mindfulness and meditation with art, “but it has
always been there even if I didn’t realize it. Creativity is very spiritual. In my early 20s when I
began painting all day every day (instead of just every once in a while). I quickly became aware
of pieces of myself I was neglecting. All the extra time to contemplate led me on a journey
within my heart that ultimately led me to healing.”

Her method is to guide artists to “wander inside of ourselves, inspiring the stories of our own
imagination to come to life.”

As for why she teaches abstract art, Wentzel says, “I find abstract is an easy starting place for
people, but I always like to have different projects. The one people always love is learning how
to make Mandalas, so much so that I always make it a part of my four-week sessions! I teach the
fundamentals of art, too, such as the color wheel, color schemes, composition, and creating
value.

“Although I usually stick with watercolor painting for the adults, I mix it up a lot when I teach
kids. Currently I don’t have any kids’ classes going, but I’ve had people express interest so that
may be coming in the near future. I’ve taught kids acrylic painting, pencil drawing, pen and ink,
landscapes, cartoons and so much more! I started teaching kids in my Roanoke community when
I was 14 years old.”

Wentzel is not only an artist, but an author. If you visit her website, you will notice her new book
of 54 poems and their illustrations, “Treasures of Wisdom” which she spent three years
formatting and self-published.

Vinton is fortunate that she has begun her classes in the area here. “I live nearby in Salem and
when I recently moved back to my hometown from Montana, I asked the community Facebook
group if there were good spaces to teach. The Vinton Community Center reached out to me and
since I believe in going about life with a sense of ease, I just let it fall naturally into place. It is a
really calm, private, and well-lit space, I’m very grateful they welcomed me in!”

Wentzel has a private studio within her home and sells her art “to people of all ages and
backgrounds, usually those who enjoy my subject matter of nature and spiritual concepts. So far,
the most consistent thing I hear from my buyers is that they like ‘me’ and have a connection with
me that makes them want to continue getting to know me. I want to get to know my buyers
better, too, so I make a point to do so.”

That leads to why she wants to teach art, rather than just “do” art.

“The main reason is that I get a lot of satisfaction and fulfillment from it, feeling like I’m giving
back and doing my good work in the world,” Wentzel says. “However, I also ‘do’ art. Painting is
a daily practice for me, and I have sold many pieces for thousands of dollars, all the way up to
$5,000 each. Teaching has certainly helped keep the finances rolling in, as you simply never know when a painting is going to sell. Relying solely on original sales to keep myself afloat creates a certain amount of pressure and planning ahead.

“I like the option of teaching as it’s more predictable and gets me out of my own head. I also love
teaching because it’s in my nature. One of my favorite things is watching my students’ reactions
to their work! When they are satisfied, it’s like a whole new world of possibilities has opened up
inside of their mind!”

Wentzel has been a full-time artist on and off through the years.

“Teaching certainly gives me more financial security, but I supplement my income through
wholesale products as well, (selling to shops for a bulk discount). My website AnArtisticAdventure.com has lots of fun artistic products individuals can purchase like stickers, pins, clothing, prints, notebooks and pillows.” She also has a podcast and a YouTube channel.

“In the end, original art sales are the best money-maker, and they are also so much more valuable
and in depth than a reproduction, so whether it’s with me or another artist you know, I encourage
you to support the arts and keep the business of emotionally relating alive in our culture!”

Wentzel’s four-week art session at the Vinton Community Center begins on September 4 and
continues on September 11, 18, and 25. Register online at https://anartisticadventure.com/. (Click
on “More”). All skill levels are welcome.