May Artist Spotlight
Nancy Boyle’s Art Journey
My creative journey began by watching my mother, aunt, and uncle—all artists whose work first sparked my interest in art. After studying at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, I spent years working in graphic design for small local publishers and companies. A transformative trip to Alaska eventually became a four-year residency in Homer, where I helped establish a community arts center with local artists. My friends often urge me to write a book about those adventures; perhaps I finally will once I truly ‘retire from my retirement.’
Throughout my career, I remained a student, taking workshops and primarily working in watercolor. However, everything changed during a plein air workshop in Boston with artist Vincent Crotty. I clearly remember the first time I squeezed oil colors onto a palette. I was set up in a shady spot in Fort Point, watching the sun gradually illuminate my workspace while I struggled with the ‘sticky, hot’ paint, having no idea what to do. Vincent’s perceptive and kind teaching was the only thing that kept me from abandoning the project on the spot. Though I initially found oil paints impossible—messy, sticky, and seemingly never-drying compared to watercolors—they are now my favorite medium. To keep my indoor studio safer, I’ve switched to Cobra Water Mixable Oils rather than thinning with Gamsol mineral spirits. Recently I have found inspiration from artist Charlie Hunter, specifically his use of a monochromatic palette and unconventional tools like squeegees, shapers, and Q-tips. This spring, I plan to use these techniques in plein air at local farms including Codman Community Farms in Lincoln to capture its interesting outbuildings, barns, and livestock.
Two years ago, I decided to tackle the challenge of portraiture. While I had been drawing the figure for years, I didn’t yet feel I had the technical foundation to paint portraits in oils. To bridge that gap, I completed two intensive online courses with Marvin Mattelson, studying directly from his New York studio via Zoom. He taught me a highly specific methodology for color mixing and the precision required for accurate drawing—a disciplined practice I look forward to refining in the years ahead.
After several studio moves, I recently returned to a home-based practice. The transition was challenging, and for a while, I struggled to find my creative rhythm. To spark a ‘reset,’ I began experimenting with mixed media in my basement studio while keeping my upstairs space dedicated to oils. This shift toward mixed media reintroduced a sense of playfulness that reignited my passion for making art. It led me to explore new techniques via YouTube and inspired recent portraits of my grandchildren, Adrian and Ana. Now, with spring approaching, I am ready to head outdoors with my plein air supplies. I look forward to painting alongside the local community. I am always open to sharing feedback and advice with fellow artists—feel free to get in touch!
