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Even as a child, I
dreamed of becoming an artist. I studied art in high school
and did the illustration work for my senior class yearbook. Upon graduation I
studied for several years at the Ochletree School of Art in Norfolk, Virginia,
until marriage and children changed my plans. Family responsibilities and
working a “real job” temporarily sent my art career into hibernation. A dream
shelved, but not forgotten.
Retirement (hurrah!!) has finally granted me the time to pursue my life’s dream. I began by taking classes from
Jan Ledbetter and Betty Anglin. These two ladies are a wealth of valuable information that they
generously share with their students. I continue to study with them to this day.
As I feel that I can never get enough education, I regularly take classes and
attend workshops. I have had the privilege to study with Doug Walton, Polly
Hammett, Pat Dews, Skip Lawrence, Carla O'Connor and Tom Lynch. Then there is my
mentor, friend and fellow artist, Hazel Camp, always there encouraging me. These talented artists and educators
have been
an enormous asset to me as I began my journey into today’s art world.
After attending
a class studying collage and the elements of design with Jan Ledbetter, I have
recently expanded into something new by mixing collage with watermedia. I
wanted to try something a little different utilizing some of her techniques. As
I have always loved cats, and my crazy cat Zoe always seems willing to model in
some outrageous pose for me, I thought it might be fun to try a cat collage.
Using hand painted tissue papers, watercolors and my imagination I got started.
The only rules in my cat collage are that there are no rules! Fun, fancy and
whimsy are my only road map. Many, many cats later, Nancy’s Cats evolved.
Have I finally
become the great artist that I have always dreamed of becoming? I don’t think
so, but recently, at an outdoor show someone laughed out loud at one of my
whimsical cats. If my silly passion can bring joy to others, then I am truly on
my way.
And so the journey continues…...
Nancy Burch, Artist
Some of Nancy's Favorite Artist Links
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