We recently connected with Nancy Hielscher and have shared our conversation below.

Nancy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

For as long as I can remember, I have pursued an artistic path that now allows me to spend my days painting in my studio! Since graduating from art school, every position I held was one of creativity, just a variety of different roles. Beginning as a staff designer, then as a healthcare Marketing Manager, then as Creative Director and Marketing Manager for a custom homebuilder to today’s occupation as a professional artist.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I grew up in the Chicago area and have been a resident of Sarasota, Florida since 1979. Painting has always been my first love, since graduating from The American Academy of Art-Chicago, and I have continued my studies at Ringling College of Art and Design.

I am a member of the Petticoat Painters, one of the oldest continuously exhibiting women’s art groups in the U.S. and a member of the regional organization Women Contemporary Artists, where I’m currently the website liaison and public relations chairperson.

As a studio artist, I have been skillfully creating graphic and contemporary still life paintings on a smaller scale, 8 x 8 inches to 24 x 24 inches. My paintings capture the essence and beauty of everyday objects. Nature has always been a significant source of inspiration for me, which is evident in both my still life paintings and autumnal foliage series. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors found in the natural world never fail to captivate me. These paintings reflect not only light, form and shadows, but are painted with strong brushstrokes rich with color. I strive to create pieces that evoke a sense of wonder and introspection, inviting viewers to explore the depths of their own emotions and perceptions.

While oil has been my preferred medium with many of my paintings, I have begun exploring mixed media on newsprint, I like to think of it as “all the news that’s fit to paint”. For me, this is a small step into what is currently described as abstract realism. This approach allows me to incorporate different elements into my work, such as Indian ink, acrylic paint, collage, and the printed word. By layering and juxtaposing these materials, I hope to create visually dynamic pieces that challenge my conventional way of drawing and painting.

My artistic process is driven by my desire to evoke an emotional response from the viewer. I aim to create a visual dialogue that invites introspection and contemplation, encouraging viewers to explore their connections to the subjects depicted. Through my art, I seek to convey a sense of beauty, harmony, and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Since retiring, the obvious answer is the time allowed to paint and create without distraction. Most gratifying are the relationships I have built with members of the Petticoats, Women Contemporary Artists, instructors, gallery owners and other local artists. The support, the creativity and the knowledge they all share is so rewarding. That includes the good, the bad and sometimes even the ugly.

Additional time spent in the process of drawing and painting, along with the detailed studies of color harmonies when approaching a new painting, is extremely rewarding to me. Mostly it’s an intuitive feeling, it either just feels right or it just feels wrong.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

I believe that any type of artistic talent is a gift. I also feel it’s important to share those talents with others. Currently, I am partnering with another creative person in “Common Ground” – Facing Mental Illness, a local project where as part of an artistic team, we find our commonality, and produce artwork that will be on exhibit. Hopefully the results will help normalize mental health challenges and reduce stereotypes, misconceptions and discrimination. I also contribute paintings to aid in fundraising to Equality Florida and the Halo Arts Project.

Often, it’s the simple things that can evoke a special memory or just make you feel good. I hope my paintings do just that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nancyhielscherartist.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancyhsrq/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHielscherPainter

Image Credits
Artist Portrait-Gene Pollux