Takeyce Walter

"The beauty found in nature often overwhelms me. I am driven by an ever-present and irresistible urge to capture that beauty and share it with others. My recent work reflects the exquisiteness I see in the natural landscape around me. I am most inspired by and drawn to quiet and peaceful scenes. I am forever intrigued by light and its effects on color in the landscape. The paintings are of places I’ve experienced with all my senses, composed with the intent to reconstruct the sense of peace and connectedness I feel within nature. My process of creating art is nourishing, energizing, and exhausting all at once. My goal when starting a painting is to capture the impression a place or a moment has left upon me. Recently, inspired by the joy of seeing my children in nature, I have begun to include figures in the landscape. This series is exuberant and a reminder of the positive effects of time spent recreating in nature. I aim to capture the mood and atmosphere that originally drew me to a composition; relying on memory and intuition to create works that evoke the presence of the place. I work primarily with oil paint, gouache, and soft pastels in my home studio, and occasionally in the field to capture these moments. I am inspired, and I hope my work inspires others to take a pause and experience the beauty around us."

Takeyce Walter is an award-winning contemporary American painter (Jamaican-born), art instructor, and media producer living and working in upstate New York. Since her formative years, the impulse to create has driven her, resulting in a lifelong journey of artistic expression. Takeyce's work is a testament to her deep rooted connection with the Northeastern landscape, reflecting her profound contemplation of humanity's relationship with nature and the environment. Through the masterful manipulation of oil paint, gouache, and pastels, she crafts evocative portrayals of the natural world, capturing its essence in every stroke—be it the meandering rivers, the ethereal skies, or the tranquil lakes. Each composition exudes a sense of intimacy, serenity, and veneration, inviting viewers to find belonging and connection in the beauty of the natural world. Beyond her artistic endeavors, Takeyce serves as a staunch advocate for both art and the environment, dedicating her time and expertise to local non profit organizations championing these causes. Her philanthropic efforts underscore her commitment to nurturing the very landscapes that inspire her work. In her latest explorations, Takeyce delves into the intricate interplay between humanity and nature, probing questions of access and connection to natural landscapes. Through her artistry and advocacy, she continues to illuminate the significance of preserving our natural heritage for generations to come. In 2022, spurred by her volunteer work, Takeyce initiated a youth program titled, Art and the Environment in collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, Adirondack Chapter, and Black Dimensions in Art. This program aims to provide young artists with opportunities to engage with local preserves, learn the art of plein air painting from professional artists, and understand the significance of natural landscapes in both art and life. Furthermore, in 2014, Takeyce launched "Creative February," a daily creative project that has since inspired artists worldwide to engage in daily art creation throughout the month. The project fostered inspiration and camaraderie beyond its initial duration, extending far beyond the twenty-eight days of February. Takeyce is represented by several regional galleries in upstate New York and her work has been acquired by numerous private collections across the United States and internationally, including these notable collections: The Adirondack Experience, Brookside Museum, Hudson Headwaters Health Network, and Saratoga Hospital Foundation.