Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nadia Parsons. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nadia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I have always been involved in the arts. Making 2D art has always been a part of my life and a great resource and expression for me. I kept my art fairly private for a long time. I tried to be consistent in my painting times and disciplined about painting regularly. When I decided to go back and take classes I was really ready to grow. I also had figured out what I wanted to paint. If I had been willing and able to invest in myself sooner, I would have sped up the process. Taking a class at the time I did really accelerated my progress, growth and confidence.
The skill that is the most essential I am still reminding myself to do and that is to trust my intuition in painting. My obstacles are the harsh self critic who tells me my work is terrible.

Nadia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I paint the sky with oil paints. When the sky is at a moment of change, such as the sun rising or setting, a storm coming or going, it is exciting to see the power, motion, light and depth of the sky. Being a part of it energizes me to capture in my paintings the glimpse of grandeur and beauty of the ever-changing majesty of the sky. So many emotions and concepts can be revealed in the depiction of the sky and there are many aspects to capture: the lighting, the clouds, the landscape or cityscape that is part of the scene, to add or not. These challenges are to approach the painting with a freshness and excitement to give the image justice and to capture some of the glory and mood. Painting from photographs I take gives me the freedom and chance to capture the image and plan the composition. Then I can jump into a state of mind that takes me to a new place turning it into a new image. This has led me directly into discovering my place in the spectrum of realism versus abstraction in painting. Where I fit in the configuration of what type of artist I am seems to be adjusted with each endeavor.

I have a studio in SoWa, 450 Harrison Ave. Studio 316, Boston, MA 02118. My studio is open most Sundays from 11 to 4 and First Fridays from 5 to 9 or by appointment. The paintings are in many different sizes and dimensions.

When a visitor sees my art and responds with a powerful emotion; I know my art is speaking to them. I get very excited by the conversations and connection that my art creates.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Many people come into my studio and tell me how they do not do art but love it. I ask more questions usually. I do see a budding artist wanting to express themselves. Many times a little more is revealed that they have always wanted to paint/draw/sing/ write. They are not willing to try. Giving them the opportunity to just make a terrible picture/ song/poem gives them such relief and a willingness to try. Everyone has creativity that they can choose to use or show to others. Being vulnerable is the hard part. Starting small and working on a project that is loved can motivate and inspire them to try.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding is when my art is appreciated and valued. I need the process of painting. I am driven to paint and to communicate so many messages in a painting. When someone else sees some of the messages I meant to express and then more that I did not realize. It gives me such validation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://skypainterstudio.com
• Instagram: nadia.parsons
• Facebook: Sky Painter. Nadia Parsons
• Linkedin: Nadia Parsons Sky Painter

Image Credits

Piece De Resistance, Oil on Canvas, 54″ by 96″