Artist Biography

Esther BeLer Wodrich is an Arizona artist known for her watercolors: detailed architecture, bold botanicals and creative portraits. She earned her BFA at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago but is self-taught in watercolor. Years in graphic design gave her a love of order and white space that shows in her paintings. Her work has been exhibited around the Phoenix valley, including public art projects with DTPHX and the City of Goodyear. Alongside her fine art, Esther enjoyed creating The Woodchuck Diaries, cartoons of her kids, the Woodchucks, and the everyday funny moments of family life.

In 2022, Esther stepped back from art as a full-time career, and she now works full time in software development. Original paintings and prints from her body of work are still available for purchase.

In March 2025, her oldest son Christian passed away at age 20. On December 10, 2026, his birthday, she is launching The Woodchuck Project in his memory. From a favorite quote or memory and a few photos, she creates original cartoons for families who have lost a loved one. Each piece is offered on a pay-what-you-wish basis, and she takes on four a month. [Learn about The Woodchuck Project →]

Esther lives and works in Litchfield Park, Arizona. She likes to begin each artwork at a clean desk, while listening to an audiobook, and drinking a hot cup of coffee.