Watercolors by Wendy and Photo Art by Jeff Sprague.
tech wiz by profession, has also begun to
sell his art as well.
Jeff is an author and die-hard
photographer. Using the words die-hard
may not be too far from the truth if you
ask Jeff. He admits that he may die of
hypothermia one day due to the fact that
when he’s taking photos he’s so engrossed
in his art that he’s completely unaware of
anything else, including the temperature,
maybe even cliffs, bears, and other potential
hazards. Such is the nature of the true
photographer with a lens to their eye. His
love of art and writing started young just
as Wendy’s did.
His photography interest began in the
early ‘70s. “As a teen I worked at the old
photo drive-up chain where I developed
(no pun intended) an enthusiasm for
photography, and I bought an SLR, but I
didn’t get really serious until Canon released
the first digital Rebel DSLR in 2004,” said
Jeff. His writing also started early on.
Jeff & Wendy Sprague
“I began writing the day my Mom
brought home that first typewriter when I
was about seven years old in the early ‘70s.
I’d write Star Trek episodes, poems, and
short sci-fi stories.” Jeff ’s first published
book, Slow Children at Play, was released
in 2012 by Wild Lizard Ranch Press.
Jeff continues to write stories and other
works and create fine art photography
including showing his art with Wendy at
various local shows.
“Mostly I was encouraged by my wife
Wendy, to get more involved with my art
so I could join her in her artistic endeavors.
Really, I think she just wanted me to help
carry the display stands to the art shows,”
Jeff jokes.
Their new dream is to create
collaborative works. They are discussing
writing and illustrating different sets of
children’s books. Among the themes, one
idea is a series designed around therapy
dogs, something Wendy’s involved in
G M H T O D A Y M A G A Z I N E
MARCH / APRIL 2015
locally with their rescue dog Mollie. She
and Mollie are a certified therapy dog team
through Furry Friends Pet Assisted Therapy.
Wendy and Jeff discussed creating books
using Mollie as the main character. Since
they have more time now (and they have
the talent) there is little to stop this creative
couple from making this dream a reality.
And staying creative can only continue to
keep the marriage strong according to Jeff.
Jeff believes that being an artistic couple
has played a part in the success of their
twenty-seven years of marriage. “Art can
bring you closer together, both because
you can share ideas and opinions, but also
because it provides a peaceful solitude
where each can spend time pursuing
interests without feeling guilty.” It will be
fun to see what inspirational works come
from this all-American love story as the next
chapter continues to unfold.
To see more of Jeff and Wendy Sprague’s
works visit wildlizardranch.com.
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