Faces are the canvas for artist Ward

Deny children something and they will find a way to incorporate it into their life. At least that seems to be the message pertaining to Churchill County High School graduate Ivy Ward.

Ward says she was forbidden, as a child, to use makeup.

“My parents were strict and makeup was not allowed, according to my Dad,” Ward said. “I have been an artist my entire life. ...I always loved makeup. I was the girl in the back of the school bus putting makeup on other girls.”

So, the human face became Ward’s canvas.

Ward chose cosmetology for a career, but was discouraged by family members who felt the pay would not be sufficient. So, instead she became a Marine. Now, she’s working on her college degree while she paints at her full-time business under the name of Ivy the Artist.

Her first “painting” experience, which was documented by family photos, was created at 3 years old with a tube of her mother’s red lipstick. “I decorated the wall, my face and her dresser in an abstract pattern,” Ward said. She considers the outcome her first “masterpiece.”

Ward began face-painting 12 years ago after a position with Estee Lauder, which she “loved.”

She blended makeup for customers for special events and parties. As Luck, Karma or Providence would have it, she came across face-painting on the internet. Later, she had the opportunity to go to the Face and Body Art International Convention where she experienced “the time of her life!” There, she learned about techniques from nationally known face and body artists.

Today, Ward has her own business as Ivy the Artist where she can do what she loves. She sets up her booth at local events and turns her subjects’ faces into their most admired animal such as leopards, lions and tigers or whatever their heart desires.

Ward also does airbrush T-shirts, airbrush makeup, temporary tattoos, glitter tattoos, and murals.

“My future plans are to have a party place for children,” says Ward.

In the meantime, you can find her at local Craft Shows, The Fallon Farmers Market next to the Depot Casino in Fallon on Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m., The Cantaloupe Festival over Labor Day Weekend, and Reno Street Food, at Idlewild Park, on Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m.

For more information call Ivy Ward at 775-223-4721.