We were lucky to catch up with Nancy Romanovsky recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Nancy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

When I reflect on my upbringing and what my parents did right, I often find myself drawn back to those early days, filled with the scent of pine and the rustle of leaves beneath our feet.

While my siblings were lacing up cleats and swinging bats in Little League games, my parents made a different choice for me. They recognized my passion for art, for the stroke of a brush against canvas, and they nurtured it. Instead of spending afternoons on the baseball diamond, they enrolled me in oil painting classes. It was there, amidst the swirl of colors and the scent of turpentine, that I found my true calling.

But it wasn’t just within the confines of a studio that my parents encouraged me to thrive. They understood the importance of connection to nature, and they made sure it was an integral part of our lives. Weekends and school breaks were spent hiking and camping and later as a teenager, my dad took us backpacking. It was in those moments, surrounded by the majesty of Mother Nature, that I developed a deep appreciation for her beauty. It wasn’t just about seeing the sights; it was about immersing myself in every aspect of the wilderness – the whisper of the wind through the trees, the earthy aroma of fallen leaves, the cool embrace of mountain streams, and the burst of flavor from wild berries plucked straight from the bush.

Those experiences shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. They seeped into my soul, becoming the very essence of who I am. And now, as I stand before my canvas, brush in hand, I realize that my oeuvre of paintings can almost always be traced back to those moments in nature. Each stroke, each hue, is a reflection of the beauty that surrounded me as a child.

So, what did my parents do right? They allowed me to follow my passion, to immerse myself in the wonders of art and nature. They gave me the freedom to discover myself, to find my voice in a world filled with noise. And for that, I am forever grateful.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

After college, I initially pursued a career as a graphic designer and marketer. It wasn’t until 2012, following the birth of our youngest child, that I decided to transition into full-time painting. The timing felt right for me to embrace painting as my profession. Obviously, while our daughter was small, all focus was on her. But when you have a passion, somehow you find the time to make it happen. It is only because of my husband’s encouragement that I was able to leave my ‘other career’ and focus on my art. He has been my greatest advocate, even contributing to the titles of my paintings. Together we own a Douglas fir tree farm in western Washington, an idyllic forest property. This is a main source of visual nourishment for me. This is where new ideas for paintings are often born! My oeuvre includes scenic portrayals of forests, rivers, deserts, and canyons.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For an artist like myself, the most rewarding aspect is the gift of time and freedom. Time spent immersed in nature, absorbing its beauty and intricacies, fuels my creativity and rejuvenates my soul. With each stroke of the brush, each dab of paint, I embark on a journey of self-discovery and artistic growth.

Yet, perhaps the greatest joy lies in witnessing others connect with my paintings. To see someone gaze upon a painting and feel a stirring in their heart, to hear them share how it resonates with their own experiences and emotions, is an indescribable feeling. In those moments, I am reminded of the power of art to evoke joy, to evoke happiness, and to forge connections that transcend words.

Creating happiness for others through my work is a privilege and a responsibility that I cherish deeply. It is a reminder that art has the ability to touch lives, to inspire, and to bring people together in shared moments of beauty and wonder. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Combining my passion for art with our family tree farm business has been a dream in the making. Our property, with its majestic trees and winding river, has long served as inspiration for my paintings. Now, I am thrilled to share that inspiration with others through our first plein air painting retreat this summer.

Designed for beginners and intermediate painters alike, our day retreat promises to be an educational, fun, and relaxing experience for all. Participants will have the opportunity to learn the art of painting outdoors, en plein air, surrounded by beauty of our tree farm.

My goal is not only to teach the technical aspects of plein air painting but also to instill a deep love and appreciation for this timeless art form. Through guided instruction and hands-on practice, participants will learn to capture the beauty of the landscape in a stress-free environment.

As we prepare for this exciting endeavor, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to share my love of art and the nature of our family tree farm with others. Bringing these two passions together while forging connections with other artists is the ultimate mission for me!

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.nancyromanovsky.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancyromanovsky/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancyaspenpainter
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyromanovskyartist/