Sylvanna, or Syl if you prefer, is largely self-taught with a couple of evening classes from NYU and the Student Art League.

Having inherited a bunch of acrylic paints from her father Tony (BFA, York University), Syl has since stuck to acrylic and gouache mediums, and has come to enjoy doing collage work as well. Influences include Mattise and Robert Rauschenberg and mostly enjoys creating pet portraits that capture the spirit of the dog, cat, etc while being creative with the background. She works from photos and loves nothing better than to work off a photo of a beloved pet that includes a patterned carpet and other fun items to make up an interesting composition.

Syl loves to paint with her 4-year old, energetic daughter who is developing her own canvases of late. Her studio website is called www.SVStudio.art where you can find pages of art showing works from her grandmother, father, herself and her daughter.

Living now in Great Falls, Syl originally hails from Toronto, Canada by way of New York City (for 12 years). She hopes to one day take on Airedale Terriers at home again (the source of her painting inspiration), but in the meantime loves to visit with other pups to fill up the remainder of her love tank.

Syl runs the Wolfgang and Luke Art Gallery/Creative Space in Great Falls Village Center (next to the Finn Thai) and hopes you will come by to say hello sometime. Typical hours are 10am-2pm but please text 571-519-7248 or email to check on the hours for that day as they can vary and she can also meet you there if given a window of time. www.wolfgangandluke.com

Artist Instagram: www.instagram.com/sylvannavanderpark

Gallery Instagram: www.instagram.com/wolfgangandluke

Gallery Facebook: www.facebook.com/wolfgangandluke