Wyland Galleries of Florida welcome Wyland in Gallery Shows
Wyland Galleries of Florida at Walt Disney World resort welcome the art, Wyland, for a Gallery Show. Photo Rori Paul
Wyland, the Internationally known marine artist, returned to two of the galleries named for him at Walt Disney World. Wyland Galleries of Florida located at Disney’s Polynesian and Boardwalk Resorts (a third not featuring the artist is found at the Swan and Dolphin complex) host yearly events including Wyland and other artists featured in his galleries. Wyland Galleries can be found (under a variety of names and owners) around the nation, but for Central Florida fans and visitors, Wyland Galleries of Florida offer a chance to own and include original and print pieces in your collection.
While some shows during the year feature these other artists or are combined shows with Wyland as the headliner, on this weekend Wyland was a solo hit.
Wyland paints the background earlier in the day, but gallery shows feature him painting an original offering a chance to see him in action. Photo Rori Paul
As always the artist arrives (often a little late) simply and through the door, announcing himself with a warm hello. Repeat collectors know where to stand, ready for the evening (or afternoon) festivities which go on for hours. This is a chance for close up encounters, so do plan to buy something to assure an autograph and photo with Wyland. Cannot afford a print or original, grab up a book and he’s as happy to sign.
During the evening Wyland will also paint something, showing off his style and how he works and while the background is usually ready for him (he prepares it earlier in the day) it still amazes me at how quickly he can work to bring a few brushstrokes to life as a beautiful marine creature. Indeed he has to stop throughout the process or its over too soon.
Filling the time he talks with the crowd, answers questions, and paints other items such as brush strokes. He also takes photos and signs those autographs for those purchase something.
Watching Wyland paint is always an exciting opportunity to watch an artist create, while being surprised at how easy and quick it is for him. Photo Rori Paul
Wyland loves the kids and inspiring them to become artists, scientists and responsible members of a world-society, so he’s often late as he won’t walk away from speaking with those he meets. He loves talking with them about the ocean, art and what can be done to save one and do the other. One this evening a young person brought a piece of work they gave to Wyland and quickly discovered the joy of having artwork shown off when he held it up for the room to see.
Wyland has a passion for our world’s oceans and the creatures that call them home both inside and out, and he shows off that passion in his art and walks the passion in his life. Wyland Galleries of Florida owner, Donna Gomez, a friend, told us a story of going to visit Wyland at his Florida Keys home, only to come face-to-face with a guy walking from the water carrying an arm load of garbage fishing line he’d cleaned off the Gulf floor.
Wyland fans and those interested in his work can follow him on Facebook and watch for upcoming shows at his website and the Wyland Galleries of Florida site.
This original by Wyland offers another look to his repertoire.
His coverage of the ocean realm is a delight and special way to celebrate one’s love for the waters and its residents.
Wyland talks about one of his early paintings, showing a similarity between
it and his first piece of sculpture ever created…
Recently learning he had a limited number of his first piece,
Wyland is making it available for collectors. This was the very first
piece a young art student named Wyland (his first name is Robert, but good luck on ever seeing that displayed)
ever made. Talking about an important piece to own and now the top one on my
long Wyland Wish List!
We choose to attend the shows at the Boardwalk Resort over
Polynesian because while Poly is our favorite Disney World Resort
the Gallery (though beautiful) is by far smaller.
Boardwalk makes for a nicer overall viewing place to enjoy a Gallery Show.
One must watch him work, see how he chooses colors and
works them. For anyone who enjoys art, it is a true delight to
observe. For anyone such as myself who is a Wyland fan,
this is an amazing opportunity to experience.
Thumbs up from Wyland.
He fully admits he’s living a dream and isn’t ashamed to share that.
Enjoy Wyland’s work online or visit one of his Galleries nationwide,
including those at the Walt Disney World Resort,
Wyland Galleries of Florida.
