Featured Artist Neecy Twinem

Enjoy this collection from the colorful nature-inspired portfolio of artist Neecy Twinem, who tells stories through painting. See more by visiting her website.

 

 

I was one of those kids who grew up always knowing that I wanted to be an artist. Drawing constantly, daydreaming, fantasizing grand stories and images. I loved being outdoors and was obsessed with animals. Animals of any kind. I wanted a few of everything: mice, cats, dogs, rabbits, ponies, and horses. I was a horse-crazed little girl who spent every day with my big bay gelding.

 

 

My love for animals never waned. To this day, they continue to be my inspiration. I always wanted to be a storyteller with my art. I wanted it to move people in a positive way with bright colors and tactile surface.

 

 

I am a tribal member of the Sac & Fox Nation and am very proud of my heritage. I got my Bachelor of Fine Art from the San Francisco Art Institute and my Master of Fine Art from the Hartford Art School, University of Hartford.

 

 

I am an award-winning professional artist, toy designer, academic professor, and author/illustrator of over 35 children’s books published in several languages. My illustrations are also found in educational books, classroom readers, magazines, and on book covers, puzzles, posters, greeting cards, t-shirts, giftware, and public murals. My paintings are found in numerous private and public collections around the US and other countries.

 

 

My fine art paintings (or gallery work) move beyond the playful animals in my book illustrations. These are part of my storytelling as well, with bold, stylized images that fill the space. I use negative space and strong design elements while pushing the shapes and colors as they go beyond the boundaries of the painting surface.

 

 

Each composition is filled with movement and spatial play. The titles of my work are a tightly fitted, integral part of my creative process. Sometimes a juxtaposition of words comes before the painting itself begins to take shape.

 

 

My painting technique is a unique process I created during years of experimentation. The acrylic paint is layered in a dry brush method to expose the texture and color layers on a base of super thick black gesso that is applied to wood panels. Working from dark to light, I build rich color layer by layer, allowing the eye to see down through the layers to create a luminous and rich painting.

 

 

Usually, there are happy little things that happen when the pattern of the gesso layer comes through to enhance fur, muscles, and movement. I continue to push the possibilities of new textural approaches as I create new images with new tools.

 

 

I have lived in New Mexico for 24 years now and I am always inspired by the gorgeous light, colors, and textures here. I also am an art professor at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

 

 

I developed and created the brand trademark titled, ZombieZoo® including the design, manufacturing and release of a plush toy line and books, which has attracted international attention.

 

Neecy Twinem invites you to follow on Instagram and visit ZombieZoo.

 

 

 

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