“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Wakie Trudeau McBride
Wakie Trudeau McBride believes that part of the "art spirit" is to give back to the community and nurture emerging artists. For thirty years, she has taught art to all age groups in private classes and by special invitation in the public education system. She operated her own art and gift gallery for several years.
An accomplished artist and painter, Wakie has studied with Jim Fallier, AWS; Milford Zornes, Sheila Parsons, Larry Weston, Tony Couch, Lola Doom, and others. Having produced and sold over 250 paintings, she has had many one-woman shows and won numerous awards. She and her artwork were featured in Oklahoma Artists of Distinction. Galleries across the United States have embraced and sold her art. She has also exhibited at the Arkansas Wildlife Federation show.
She has been a member of several art associations, including the Sequoyah County Arts and Humanities Council (serving four different terms as its president), the Crawford County Art Association, the Goddard Art Center, and the Ardmore Art Guild. She also helped organize the Arts and Humanities Council in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Speaking on television or in person to numerous civic organizations, Wakie is an advocate for art as a way to create a balanced life.
In 2000, Wakie experienced a debilitating stroke one month after the loss of her husband. Finding herself unable to draw or paint, she did not give up. With prayer, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and a lot of determination, she began painting again. She started in oils because she had more time to think with oil than with watercolor, and the medium is more forgiving. Two and a half years later, she emerged more proficient than before the stroke.
Wakie wrote and illustrated Drawing for All Ages to continue sharing her love for art with more people. Her clear illustrations, beautiful paintings, and helpful instructions make drawing fun and easy for anyone wanting to learn to draw.
Q&A with Wakie Trudeau McBride
Where were you born, and where did you grow up? I was born and grew up in Sallisaw, Oklahoma.
What was your favorite book as a child? books by English writers. Also, an eleventh grade textbook. I loved the poetry.
Who is your favorite author? Max Lucado
What is your favorite hymn? “I Believe”
What is your favorite Bible verse? Psalm 46:10
What attribute of God means the most to you? His love and mercy
What are your interests and hobbies? Art
What prompted you to write Drawing for All Ages? I wanted everyone who was interested in art to have the opportunity to learn how to draw.
Why would people be interested in reading this book? It is a “how to” for aspiring artists. One couple told me that they learned more about art by reading my book than they ever knew.
