Rebecca Proctor’s journey back to painting began with an unexpected incident involving her dog and a neighbor’s chickens. After the dog chased the chickens, she offered a small cash payment and a painting as an apology. This gesture reignited her passion for art, leading her to return to the easel after an eight-year hiatus.
Now based in Newport, Washington, Proctor has been named the 2027 Featured Artist of the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE), a prestigious honor held previously by her mother, Julie Jeppsen, in 2003. This makes Proctor the first second-generation artist to receive this recognition as SEWE gears up for its 45th event in Charleston.
Reflecting on her journey, Proctor expressed her emotional reaction upon receiving the call about her selection, and she sought support from family and friends to help balance her artistic pursuits with raising young children. Having grown up attending SEWE with her mother, she developed a keen understanding of art and its community.
Proctor, a fourth-generation artist, emphasizes the importance of hard work in developing talent. After starting a family, returning to painting felt daunting. However, inspired by her earlier works, including a chicken painting, she began small studies and took lessons from painter Kathryn Stats. As her maternal responsibilities eased with her children entering school, her enthusiasm for painting reignited.
Her featured piece, “The Pursuit,” showcases Blaze, her English Springer Spaniel, in a vibrant autumn landscape, capturing the essence of her artistic journey and connection to nature.
