Yes, this is me, a gypsy on Halloween back in 1965. That 's when I started painting--oh, I know, it was just finger painting, but hey, everyone starts somewhere. I remember being thrilled over making a likeness of Popeye. My mother was napping on the sofa while I painted in the kitchen. It's amazing she left me alone with the paints. Anyway, I woke her up to show her my brilliant rendition of Popeye.Later I learned to draw from watching John Nagey's drawing classes on TV. He sold a wooden box with pencils and eraser and paper included. And instructions, I guess, on how to shade a sphere, how to draw a profile, etc. My mother bought the kit for me.
All through gradeschool and junior high I worked hard at improving my painting and drawing skills. As I look back now, I realize it was what I was good at, I mean really good at. Later dance and music came into the picture. And writing, of course.
I studied pottery, ceramic glazing, oil painting, drawing, and layout and design in the 70s and 80s. In the late 80s I graduated from NW College of Art with and AOS in Visual Communication. With that degree and more classes in art and movement therapy, I earned BS in Social Sciences from Marylhurst University. in 2007 I earned the MFA in Creative Writing from Pacific Lutheran University..
The rest of my painting skill came from my own hard work and perseverance. The artist co-op is a wonderful place to work--since almost all the artists are making a living from their art. So I find them incredibly inspiring. If you'd like to come for a visit to my studio, just give me a call--710-7139. I'd love to chat with you and show you my work. Thanks, Nancy Canyon
