We recently had the chance to connect with Nancy Hielscher and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nancy , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I’m fortunate to have a studio in my home, so during the first hour or so, I enjoy my coffee while reviewing emails, briefly glancing at the news, and critiquing the work on my easel. Then, I paint. Some days it might be as little as 30 minutes, and on other days I can spend up to 3 hours, break for lunch and then get back to painting. It could be a piece I’m actively working on, or experimenting with a different technique. Often times I go back and forth between two paintings. As an avid reader, I find that listening to audio books while painting allows me to combine two of my most enjoyable interests.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Painting has always been my passion. Since retiring from advertising as a creative director, I find it very satisfying to be able to dedicate my time to painting full-time. I am lucky to have my family close by and to have their support.
My flora- and food-centric still life vignettes are meant to showcase the beauty of often overlooked ordinary subjects and perhaps ignite a memory for the viewer. Some become more graphic than impressionistic than others.
I find the process of mixing colors from a limited palette to be just as exciting as painting the subject itself. Whatever medium I use – oil, acrylic and house paint – I love the application of strong colors and fierce brushstrokes. I have always painted on relatively small, square canvas or panels, and currently have begun to use oils on Arches oil paper. My series, “Every Picture Tells a Story,” is a combination of using both acrylic and Indian Ink on the pages of 1958 Gourmet Magazine or newsprint that relate to the image featured. That series was first showcased at Sarasota’s 502.gallery, which led to commissions and a following of new collectors, along with inclusion of several juried exhibits.
I nurture my creativity through art and friendships with two groups I belong to. The Petticoat Painters, formed in 1953, is one of the oldest exhibiting groups of women artists in the U.S., limited to 20 members all only accepted by invitation. I design and manage their website, social media, and exhibit graphics. I’m also excited about co-chairing the group’s 75th Anniversary Exhibit, which will be held in January 2028 at the Ringling College of Art + Design. Additionally, I serve as the website and social media manager for Women Contemporary Artists, a regional women’s group with over 135 members.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Growing up it was my father who encouraged me to follow my artistic path. The support I received from both my elementary and high school art teachers just reinforced my career choice.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Do what makes you happy, and don’t be afraid to learn new techniques and enjoy color!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
No. I am quite intimidated by being the main focus of attention, I have always worked to promote others!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I really believe I am doing what I was born to do, and feel lucky that I’m able to continuously paint and experiment with new techniques.
The only thing I regret not doing would be to spend more time traveling and painting en plein air.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nancyhielscherartist.com
- Instagram: @nancyhielscherpainter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyHielscherPainter
- Other: Threads: @nancyhsrq
Bluesky:@nhsrq.bsky.social
Image Credits
Headshot only: Gene Pollux Photography
