For those who are new here - my name is Désirée Penner and I am a prairie painter.

I live on a small farm, tucked into the flatlands of Manitoba. I’m the fourth generation to walk amongst the fields, search for turtles in the dugout, and watch barn swallows cartwheel overhead. Home is where the wind ripples across the fields and there is the perfect smell of rain on a hayfield. It’s where the meadowlark sings and there is majesty in prairie thunderstorms. Where you can witness fields of sunflowers turn their faces to the sun. The prairies are home to a 100,000 lakes and endless dirt roads that I want to explore. Not so long ago, I spent the years wishing for the coast. For a period of time, my artwork reflected this fascination with salt water. Painting the ocean was a way to hold onto a dream.  Along the way, I had exhibitions, commissions, magazine publications, artist talks, and licensed artwork that celebrated the sea.

And then, my art changed. More accurately, I changed.

I decided to stay, on this land of big open skies.

The prairies have a quiet, gentle beauty that soothes the soul. Sometimes, without you even realizing it. If you’re ever in doubt, let me lead you out into a wheat field while wind whispers round or down a dirt road as the sunset flings colour across the sky.

Welcome to my prairie girl era.

New and exciting things are underfoot. These days, you’ll find me painting with new mediums and looser brushstrokes under the prairie sun.

Blessings, Désirée