Tracy Willard

About Tracy

Tracy Willard is a contemporary artist whose work captures the serene beauty of the natural world. Since beginning her artistic journey in 2019, Willard has developed a distinctive style characterized by soft, precise brushwork and elegant, sensual lines. Her paintings are marked by a subtle palette that enhances the tranquil atmosphere of her compositions, creating a sense of calm energy.

Willard’s approach to painting involves a deep connection to her surroundings. She finds inspiration in the natural environment and local color, translating the serene landscapes she observes into art that exudes peace and joy. Her strong sense of composition invites the viewer to pause and immerse themselves in the scene.

The joy and peace she experiences through painting are imbued in her work, making her art not only a reflection of the external world but also a manifestation of her connection to God- the original creator. As she continues to evolve as an artist, her unique blend of softness, precision, and emotional depth promises to enchant and inspire those who encounter her work.

My Story

I'm a Southern California native, growing up running around the beach towns in Orange County and North County San Diego. I had the carefree childhood of the 70s and 80s. Some of my best childhood memories took place on the beach- barefoot, sunburned, long days in the ocean on boogie boards, climbing on the jetty, collecting shells then running across the 101 to all the local spots for food and drink. 

I always wanted to be an artist. I filled notebooks and every scrap of paper with doodles and drawings of rainbows, sunshine, puffy white clouds and animals. I loved writing in bubble letters and trying to create different fonts with my sets of colored markers, boxes of crayons and colored pencil collections. 

After high school though, I caught the travel bug, and set about getting through college while traveling as much as I could. I was always wishing I could capture the colors and beauty I saw in the world. I was always captivated by color and the unique colors that define each new destination I visited. 

Eventually I became a teacher, a profession I loved. I took life drawing classes in the evenings in Laguna Beach, but it was this secret passion that I didn’t feel had a place in my daily life. It was around this time I met my husband, Scott. 

When we started our family, we moved to Bozeman, Montana. Again, I was captivated by the beauty I saw around me there and the colorful small town culture. We lived there for 10 years. It was a magical time, raising our daughters walking the trails, hiking and playing in the gorgeous mountain lakes.  I spent my time there soaking in the grandeur of the mountains, and learning to sit in the silence and peace of a white winter landscape. I learned to listen more closely to God there. 

Then finally at 50 years old, after I lost both my parents, I decided it was time to pursue my childhood dream of being an artist and took my first painting class. It felt like I was finally doing what I was created to do. 

Whenever I sit down to paint, I feel such a deep sense of joy and peace. I hope to portray a sense of nostalgia and a carefree, unhurried, quiet stillness. 

Thank you for taking the time to visit my corner of the world. I hope my paintings cultivate a feeling of peace and an appreciation for God’s creativity and generosity.