Featured Artist Nancy Smyth

Pastel artist Nancy Smyth creates delightfully whimsical portraits of pets and wildlife. Enjoy and visit her website to see more.

 

 

Horses and dogs have been a lifelong passion, and a constant source of inspiration for my artwork.

 

 

As a child, I had to show my parents that wanting a dog was not just a phase and that I understood the responsibility involved. I faced the same challenge when I convinced them I wanted to ride horses.

 

 

I received my first horse as a high school graduation gift at 17. I’ve owned horses throughout my adult life, until two years ago. Many dogs have also enriched my life, so it felt natural for these wonderful animals to become the focus of my art.

 

 

Living closely with my animals allowed me to study their subtle details firsthand. That experience helped me develop a realistic style in fine art portraiture.

 

 

I also found joy in creating artwork for clients who shared my deep love for their pets. Although memorial portraits can be challenging, I have seen how much comfort they can bring to grieving owners.

 

 

Although I have worked in other mediums, I always return to pastel. It allows me to render fine details, realistic fur, and expressive features. I am now focusing on incorporating backgrounds into my pieces and have expanded my portfolio to include landscapes, wildlife, people, and seascapes.

 

 

I continue to learn from artists I admire, especially through videos that offer insight into their techniques and creative processes.

 

 

I enjoy entering juried art shows across the country because they give me the opportunity to meet other artists, exchange ideas, and connect with the broader art community. I find this community encouraging, welcoming, and filled with people who share many of the same goals.

 

 

I love making people happy, and I cannot think of a better way to do that than through my art.

Nancy Smyth invites you to follow on Facebook and Instagram.

 

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