IDOLS OF ART WALK: Wilma Langhamer

 Wilma Langhamer

• Hometown: I was born in Karlsbad Germany and live at the current time in McAllen, Texas.
• Influences: European Medieval painters like Peter Breughel influenced my early paintings. I admire the artwork of Rene Magritte very much. My husband Carl Mohner was a driving force in my career as an artist.
• Upcoming shows: I will show some prints at Jac Lin's Florist, 722 North Main Street Artwalk on September 5. The Art House is planning an Exhibition with Carl Mohner and Wilma Langhamer originals February 2009.
• Web site: www.wilmalanghamer.com

 Tell me about what "Conversations with Carl and Wilma" and how this exhibit explored the passion and love that you and your late husband Carl Mohner had for each other.

The Art House hosted the exhibition "Conversation with Carl and Wilma" October/November 2007. Mayra Brown, gallery owner and director commented that our artwork has intertwined and conversing with each other about life, love and creation. For myself, our work was very strong bond between us.

You've had a very interesting life - from being a nurse in Germany to a fashion designer to an artist. What role does life experience play in your work?

My parents had a knitting factory in Germany. I knitted clothes in the 60s. I also got a degree as a nurse.

Can you explain "Romantic Realism" a little bit.

I am self-taught as an artist. Living and traveling in Europe influenced my early paintings. I was fond of France, especially the French castles, and incorporated them into my work. I am also a dreamer and sometimes I painted castles and people on clouds.

What is your inspiration for your work?

My husband was very ill. During that time I created a series to the theme Love, which I think is most important in life. At the current time I am working on a series of women portraits with musical instruments. I used to play the violin as a teenager.

What is the most interesting experience you've had while presenting your art?

In 1976 I showed paintings in an exhibition at the BMW Gallery in Munich. Several people discussed my work and its style. It was Carl Mohner who coined "Romantic Realism" and everybody agreed. I think it is still valid today.

Who would you most like to give a piece of your artwork to?

Since my early age I wanted to make a living as an artist. I feel very fortunate to be able to paint and get respond (response) from people for something that I truly love to do. I donate to many charities.

What is the most expressive color?

In the past, I used blue in many of my paintings. At the current: The mood is asking for is right at that time (The mood asks for the right color at the time).