Hello! I’m Tanya.

Welcome to the studio!

A woman with gray hair, wearing a lavender top, sitting on a yellow upholstered antique chair in an artist's studio with landscape paintings of mountains, rivers, and green fields on the walls behind her.

I began my artistic journey as a young child in my grandmother’s ceramic shop.

I distinctly remember how she painted eyes that pierced the soul and I have been creating ever since. Throughout life, I have continued to draw, paint and hone my artistic skills through classes and dedicated study with a variety of artists, most notably, Mary Muller from Des Moines.

I am constantly surprised at the unexpected difference one stroke can make in a painting. Life is similar; take one step at a time. As I learn, grow and become more intentional with my marks in my paintings, I also learn and grow to be more intentional to live every day to the fullest and appreciate every aspect of our natural world. 

A person playing golf on a grassy field with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.

In creating art that captures moments, I want to make a positive impact in the world. Art, like music for me, is critical to life. It takes you away to a place that allows time to stop and you can focus on that exact moment. I want my paintings to lift people up and provide a bright spot in their day and give them space to feel whatever emotions exist. There are days when getting started is a challenge; both in life and art. We are all works in progress and must keep progressing. I am thankful and blessed to create. /  Phil 4:13

Shop my originals here on my website. Find The Quiet Field Journal Collection and other art gifts in my MorningSongArt Etsy shop.

Colorful chalk pastels organized by color in a wooden display tray.
A smiling woman with gray hair holding paintbrushes, standing near a window with a blurred outdoor view.

Painting is similar to life. You start each day and each painting with a blank canvas and a desire to end with something beautiful and meaningful.

I am drawn to pastels, acrylics and oils because of the vibrant pigments and the ability to blend and layer to capture subtle transitions of light and shadow. Pastels grant me the freedom to explore a variety of mark-making techniques on an array of surfaces. The delicate nature of pastels reminds me of the delicacy of life and how we must treat each day with care.

Acrylic paints push me to work quickly and be more intentional in my work while oils allow me to practice patience as layers require dry time. This time gives me space to step away and come back with fresh eyes.

A woman with gray hair and a green shirt smiling in front of a dark wall with a colorful bird painting.
A woman with gray hair sitting cross-legged on the floor, smiling while using a set of colorful pastel chalks and creating a landscape painting with a sunset sky and trees.
Gallery wall of bird paintings with a white banner reading 'Create a Collection' overlaying the middle of the image, featuring a wooden dresser, books, a lamp, sculptures, and a potted plant in a living room setting.
A smiling woman wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a gray dress stands behind a table, showcasing framed artwork of birds and landscapes at an outdoor art fair.
A display rack holding various framed and unframed paintings, including paintings of birds, flowers, and landscapes by artist Tanya Wilhite

Creating pieces that resonate with the viewer’s soul, awakening a connection to nature and a celebration of beauty that surrounds us drives every one of my paintings. Each stroke, layer and choice of medium is a deliberate step in my pursuit of encapsulating transient moments, freezing them in the embrace of art.

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Let’s Connect

I’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re curious about an available original, want to discuss a custom commission, or just have a question about my work, please fill out the form below. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can to help you connect with the art you love.