Artist Donna Lee Nyzio paints evocative reflections of the coastal land and water she loves. See more of her maritime oil paintings by visiting her website.
![“Summer Catch” Oil on Panel, 12” x 6”by artist Donna Lee Nyzio. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ArtsySummer-Catch-2.jpg)
“Summer Catch” Oil on Panel, 12” x 6”
My paintings usually begin with adventure. Sometimes close to home, other times, to places I have never been. I meet people, I see things and I experience places. I am then compelled to share everything I learn with a painting (or twelve!).
![“Wanchese Winter” Oil on Panel, 36” x 24” by artist Donna Lee Nyzio. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ArtsyWanchese-Winter-2.jpg)
“Wanchese Winter” Oil on Panel, 36” x 24”
Do I take photos? I sure do. I also make sketches and do plein aire studies. My paintings grow from my travels. Once, I came home and described to friends one of my future paintings. I saw it clear as day in my head—the light, the person, the boat and the feeling. “Look,” I said, “Here is the photo.” They looked at the photo, each other, and then at me. “I don’t see that in the photo,” they said. “Well,” I answered, “I have not painted it yet!”
![“Planting Pound Poles” Oil on Panel, 16” x 8” by artist Donna Lee Nyzio. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ArtsyPlanting-Pound-Poles-2.jpg)
“Planting Pound Poles” Oil on Panel, 16” x 8”
The photograph is just a jump off point; something where I can pick and choose additional items for added dimension or stimulate that particular memory when I get to the studio.
![“Long Reflections” Oil on Panel, 36” x 24” by artist Donna Lee Nyzio. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ArtsyLong-Reflection-2.jpg)
“Long Reflections” Oil on Panel, 36” x 24”
After the “I see a painting here!” moment, I compose a tight, geometric underpainting with big bold shapes. I move a thin transparent wash around on the panel until the composition has an appropriate balance and structure. A good sense of balance, no matter how extreme, makes me happy.
![“Golden Nugget” Oil on Panel, 20” x 20” by artist Donna Lee Nyzio. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ArtsyGolden-Nugget-2.jpg)
“Golden Nugget” Oil on Panel, 20” x 20”
With a rag, I wipe out some highlights. I top it all off with fluid and organic strokes to capture an emotion, attitude, event or object. Though I develop my paintings using a hard structured underpainting as I paint, they sometimes evolve into their own story. Sometimes I stick to my original plan, sometimes I don’t and just follow my brush.
![“Gloucester Docks” Oil on Panel, 36” x 12” by artist Donna Lee Nyzio. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ArtsyGloucester-Docks-2.jpg)
“Gloucester Docks” Oil on Panel, 36” x 12”
I love being an American Realist Oil Painter living and painting in coastal North Carolina—a representational painter working in a traditional manner.
![“Evening Catch” Oil on Panel, 16 x 8”by artist Donna Lee Nyzio. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ArtsyEvening-Catch-2.jpg)
“Evening Catch” Oil on Panel, 16 x 8”
I paint on wooden or clay panels (which are easier to store, frame and show in a high-humidity environment) using oil paints and brushes. My neutral palette brings beauty and peace to this crazy connected world.
![“Crab Pots” Oil on Panel, 16” x 20”by artist Donna Lee Nyzio. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ArtsyCrabPots-2.jpg)
“Crab Pots” Oil on Panel, 16” x 20”
Whether or not you’re familiar with maritime themes, you can enjoy the air of tranquility, subtle story and color that my paintings embody.
![“Bad Penny” Oil on Panel, 16” x 8” by artist Donna Lee Nyzio. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/ArtsyBadPenny-2.jpg)
“Bad Penny” Oil on Panel, 16” x 8”
I prefer to recognize the art in everything that is around me in the world and hopefully help other people appreciate their environment as well.
![“Orange Hat” Oil on Claybord, 18” x 14” by artist Donna Lee Nyzio. See her portfolio by visiting www.ArtsyShark.com](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Artsy-Orange-Hat-2.jpg)
“Orange Hat” Oil on Claybord, 18” x 14”
I look for opportunities to learn, experience, and grow personally and professionally. I enjoy looking forward to my next adventure in paint.
Artist Donna Lee Nyzio invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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