Nancy Hielscher     |     Artist Statement

As a studio artist, I have been skillfully creating graphic and contemporary still life paintings on a smaller scale, ranging from 6 x 6 inches to 24 x 24 inches. My paintings capture the essence and beauty of everyday objects. Nature has always been a significant source of inspiration for me, which is evident in both my still life paintings and autumnal foliage series. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors found in the natural world never fail to captivate me. These paintings reflect not only light, form and shadows, but are painted with strong brushstrokes rich with color.


Additional time spent in the process of drawing and painting along with the detailed studies of color harmonies when approaching a new painting is extremely rewarding to me. While oil has been my preferred medium with many of my paintings, I have begun exploring mixed media on newsprint, I like to think of it as “all the news that’s fit to paint” or "every picture tells a story". For me, this is a small step into what is currently described as abstract realism. This approach allows me to incorporate different elements into my work, such as India ink, acrylic paint, collage, and the printed word. By layering and juxtaposing these materials, I hope to create visually dynamic pieces that challenge my conventional way of drawing and painting.


I aim to create a visual dialogue that invites introspection and contemplation, encouraging viewers to explore their connections to the subjects depicted. With each brushstroke and innovative technique, I invite the viewer to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. Often, it’s the simple things that can evoke a special memory or just make you feel good. I hope that my paintings do just that.