Featured Artist Nancy Reyna

Painter Nancy Reyna shares a delightful collection of nature-inspired watercolors that lift the spirit. See more of her portfolio by visiting her website.

 

 

I was a gardener before I was a painter. I was a mother, a teacher and a psychologist, too. So when I started painting, my values showed in the subjects that I chose.

 

 

My interest in people can be seen in the portraits I do. My interest in nature and its protection shows in my botanicals, landscapes and even animals.

 

 

I’m an observer, I notice my surroundings. That results in photographs taken every day, in my garden, my neighbors’ gardens, in the parking lot at the grocery store and everywhere I go.

 

 

The way the sunlight falls on some leaves or the color of the sky when the sun starts to set are beautiful to me, and make me happy. As a teacher, observing my students helped me to know them, so I could help them grow, appreciating their differences and uniqueness. Children’s portraits were the beginning of sharing my art with others.

 

 

Watercolors have been full of life lessons for me. I have learned to have more patience, to let things go, be in the moment, try new things, and push my comfort boundaries. A hard one for me was to put myself out there, letting myself be vulnerable. I can learn the skills I need, enhancing and using my gifts, because there’s only one of me. Someone needs the gift or message that only I have to give, so there’s a reason for my gift.

 

 

I went through a period of wondering if the world really needed another painter of flowers! I learned that my expression is unique and valuable, and people appreciate what I do.

 

 

I start my paintings with a drawing that details edges of shapes to show the twists and turns in leaves and petals. As I layer colors in my own “lively” way some precision disappears and it develops a certain level of energy that is perfectly imperfect.

 

 

I paint because it brings me joy and peace. It’s a wonderful way to share the things that I think are important with others.

 

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