Wendy Laverick (also known as Wendy Thompson) has been painting for over 55 years. Originally from Middlesbrough, she now paints her way through retirement from her studio in Chepstow, with her family helping her turn it into a real business.

She is known for expressive, characterful animal and nature-inspired artwork. Wendy creates original paintings, signed fine art prints, hand-finished limited edition canvases and cards, all made to bring colour and character into everyday spaces.

In the early 2000s, Wendy was appointed Artist in Residence with the Darlington Building Society, a publicly funded residency supported by the Northern Arts Encore Award.

The residency culminated in the 2002 exhibition A Year in the Life, which explored contemporary community and cultural themes through original artwork.

In addition to her residency work, Wendy received a separate contemporary artwork commission in 2001, also funded by the Darlington Building Society.

The residency programme and its touring exhibitions and commissions received national recognition, including:

• A Cultural Business Venture Award for Art in the Making touring exhibitions

• An Arts & Business Award for innovative community engagement through art

Wendy’s creative practice is inspired by wildlife, rural life, and the changing landscape of the British countryside. Her studio work reflects a deep connection to animals and nature, capturing both character and emotion through expressive mark-making.

Working in ink, watercolour and acrylic, Wendy’s paintings combine bold colour with delicate detail, creating pieces that feel both contemporary and timeless.

Wendy’s studio is a place of constant experimentation, reflection, and inspiration. Each piece begins with close observation, sketches, and studies before developing into a finished artwork.

Her creative process is calm, intuitive, and deeply personal, allowing each subject’s character to emerge naturally through the work.