From earliest childhood I have been drawn to the countryside. Wilderness began for me as soon as I stepped off the road into forest or meadow, the trappings of civilization melted away into textures of ferns, light on a rock wall, the form of a tree against the sky, the colors in a shadow and the elements that determined the atmosphere through which I looked. I would draw constantly to record special discoveries. Pastels and the plains of Texas came into my experience at the same time. I like the immediacy of the pigment on paper. Controlling the texture of the paper and layering the pigment allows the translucent quality of the colors to best imitate the sparkle of natural light. I am compelled to reproduce the vision of what is open, vast, unsullied and wild in order to preserve the sense of wonder and gratitude I feel at each encounter.
Winton, a native New Englander, received her B.A. in Fine Arts and English from Lindenwood College in St. Charles, Missouri, and has lived in Texas since 1971. She thanks her early mentors, Ben and Jinni Konis, for the positive influence their guidance has had on her career. Winton is also grateful for the inspiration that has been drawn from teachers Ray Vinella and Albert Handell, both of whom have played important roles in helping her achieve the success she enjoys today. Collectors of Winton's drawings and paintings are worldwide. Her work hangs in collections in Austria, Russia, Mexico, Canada, Texas and on both U.S. coasts.
Winton has been a long time signature member of the prestigious Pastel Society of America. Founded in 1972 by Flora B. Giffuni, Pastel Society of America
(PSA) is among the oldest, most revered societies in America. Membership is by jury selection.
In addition to being actively involved with PSA, Winton is also a signature member of the American Plains Artists as well as several other local and regional organizations.
Winton considers her studio to be the perfect combination of form and function, despite the fact that it may appear modest in size to the passerby. "I prefer to paint en plein air," Winton says, "but when
time or weather constraints prevent that experience, photographs and sketches are the visual aids used in the studio."
Both Winton's studio and residence are located on the Sand Creek at a ranch in the northeast corner of the Texas Panhandle. A gallery within the home is open (by appointment only) to guests for viewing a variety of Winton's work.
Many of Winton's originals can also be seen at The Colony Frame and Gallery in Amarillo, Texas.
