‘The Unspoken Bond’ – Orangeburg native’s painting appears in national publication

She has been a volunteer for the Spartanburg, South Carolina-based Boykin Spaniel Rescue since 2014 and has served as a board member for three years.

Her love of art is also a passion.

She has worked as a graphic designer and self-employed portrait artist since graduating in 2008  from the University of South Carolina where she studied art.

Wienges’ two loves were married in the creation of one of her watercolor portraits, “The Unspoken Bond” painted last year.

The 20-inch by 30-inch portrait was inspired by the unspoken bond between owner and rescue animal. The portrait was taken from the real life relationship between the former director of Boykin Spaniel Rescue, Eric Grubbs, and his highly awarded rescue Boykin, “Paw,” with a Master Retriever HRCH (Hunting Retriever Champion) title.

The artwork caught the eye on a national stage and was selected to appear on the cover of the October 2024 issue of the Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA).

“It’s an honor it was chosen,” Wienges said. “It depicted something very foundational in veterinary medicine– something that keeps every vet dedicated to their work.”

“There are few things as rewarding in life than the companionship of a pet, “Wienges continued. “Eric and Paw were the best example of that special bond.”

As a volunteer for Boykin Spaniel Rescue, Wienges often photographs at events and hunt tests.

It was at these events that her camera captured images of the bond between Paw and Grubbs.

Wienges said the relationship between the two made a lasting impact on audiences whether working in the field or performing live retrieving demos at SEWE (Southeastern Wildlife Exhibition) entertaining the crowds.

Paw acted as an ambassador for Boykin Spaniel Rescue.

But then the difficult news came.

“When Paw was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in December of 2022, I knew their story had to be memorialized,” Wienges said. “I hoped to capture their bond. “Eric was Paw’s world and it showed when Paw worked.”

The painting took a few weeks to create.

“I recall giving it priority if it could serve as any consolation while facing Paw’s diagnosis,” Wienges said.

Boykin Spaniel Rescue commissioned the artwork as a gift to Grubbs later that year.

Wienges described her reaction when she found out her painting would appear in the journal as “shock.”

Wienges said the support and words of congratulations from friends in the veterinary field have been expressed in abundance.

It is the first time Wienges’ art has appeared in a national format.

Wienges said the most difficult aspect of painting portraits is ‘visual accuracy.’

“While a degree of sight and focus accomplishes replicating a face, it can also cause me to easily overwork a piece especially if areas presented some difficulty,” Wienges said. “The struggle is always easily visible. I have to remind myself to stay soft and avoid harsh lines and edges especially on the face.”

Of all the works of art she has painted over the years her favorites are portraits such as “The Unspoken Bond.”

“People in their natural element,” Wienges said.

Wienges’ love for art and animals is understandable.

Her father, Dr. Lawrence Wienges, is an Orangeburg veterinarian at Carolina Veterinary Practice and her mother, Becky, is a retired portrait artist.

“My father felt like this subject matter/scene was familiar to every vet,” Wienges said, about her painting.

The AVMA is touted as the nation’s leading advocate for the veterinary profession and represents over 105,000 members.

The journal is a monthly, peer-reviewed, general veterinary medical journal published by the AVMA.

JAVMA reaches nearly 90,000 veterinarians each month.