Peggy Akovenko

Meridian, Idaho | Oil & Watercolor | Impressionistic Plein Air

“Light, wind, and open sky feel like part of the conversation.”

Peggy Akovenko is an Idaho painter working in oil and watercolor, creating impressionistic paintings shaped by light, shadow, movement, and atmosphere. Born in Boise and raised with a love of exploring Idaho’s landscapes, Peggy has carried a passion for art throughout her life.

For 35 years, she worked as an early-education teacher, helping young children discover their own creativity. Retirement finally gave Peggy the opportunity to devote more time to her own artistic journey—and especially to plein air painting.

Today, she finds inspiration in both grand Idaho landscapes and quiet everyday scenes. Whether standing along a riverbank or painting a familiar Idaho street, her goal is to create artwork that feels alive and captures the emotion of a particular moment.

Painting En Plein Air

For Peggy, being outdoors is essential to truly knowing her subject. Fresh air, changing weather, shifting light, and the natural rhythm of the landscape all influence how she responds to a scene.

She also loves painting alongside friends and fellow artists. Their insights, encouragement, and shared experiences deepen her connection to both the landscape and the creative process.

“What I love most is capturing emotion and the feeling of life in motion.”

Her brushwork remains loose and expressive, allowing gesture and color to carry the moment. Rather than trying to capture every detail, Peggy seeks the feeling of being present in the open air.

A Life Filled With Color

Peggy’s artistic vision is closely connected to her life experiences. After decades of helping children discover the joy of creativity, she now approaches her own painting with that same sense of curiosity and freedom.

With two children and seven grandchildren, Peggy says her world is full of color and motion. Painting gives her a way to gather those moments—and the Idaho places she loves—and turn them into something lasting.

A Few Highlights

Peggy has participated in the Eagle Plein Air Festival for many years, receiving two Honorable Mentions. Her work has also earned ribbons at the Western Idaho Fair and an Artist’s Choice Award from her fellow artists at a plein air event in Mackay, Idaho.

Beyond the Easel

Peggy lives in Meridian, Idaho, where she continues to explore the landscapes that have inspired her throughout her life.

For her, painting is ultimately about being present—watching the light change, feeling the wind, noticing movement, and allowing the experience of a place to become part of the painting.

Facebook: Paintings by Peggy Ann