Nancy Topping Bazin

Nancy seeks to capture the beauty, wonder and occasional humor in what she sees.  Although she may begin with the real object, her paintings have become increasingly imaginative and playful.  For example, she is a “colorist” who feels free to alter the colors she sees.  Being a colorist enhances the element of fantasy in her work.  Viewers often describe her paintings as “happy” or “whimsical.” Although she has frequently worked in pastel, she now works primarily in Watermedia (watercolor, acrylic, gouache) or mixed media (often in combination with collage).   She is increasingly interested in creating semi-abstract (and occasionally abstract) art.

Before becoming a professional artist, Nancy was a professor of English and Women Studies at Old Dominion University.  But after retiring, she returned to her early love of art.   Since 2000, she has been trained by many of the best art teachers in Hampton Roads; in addition, she has taken weeklong workshops from twenty-three nationally-recognized, award-winning artists.   Although she has a signature style, she is always learning and changing.

Nancy shows her work continuously at the Pembroke 4 Art Gallery, The Artists Gallery, and Artistic Creations in Virginia Beach, at Riverview Gallery in Portsmouth, and at the Last Century Art Gallery in Williamsburg, VA.  She also participates in many special exhibits.  To date, jurors have given Nancy nineteen awards. 

Sandra Starkey The world is full of energy to be accessed, and my art is an extension of that energy.  For me, joy is painting.  My art is conceived in the innermost parts of my being, and it explodes out of the brush and onto the canvas.  Often using nature as my muse, I employ all of the color and excitement it has to offer while affixing my own personalized perspective to create inviting images in my paintings.  Creating art gives me an unparalleled sense of peace and strength that is evident in every brushstroke.
 
Using watercolor as my medium for artistic communication, I enjoy the freedom that it affords me.  As a watercolorist, I am able to apply various techniques to maximize the distinctiveness of my paintings, and this particular medium enables me to follow the art where it leads me.
 
As a lifelong learner, I continue to pursue educational endeavors to hone my skills and enhance my talents as an artist.  Staying on the cutting edge of developments in the field of art is a high priority.  My love for art drives me to constantly grow and develop as an artist.  While on my quest to express my personal truths, I derive inspiration every day from who live lives very different from my own. Selecting naturally occurring colors and shadows, I also take a great deal of direction from the earth when I create art.  I love bold, bright colors and the power they have to evoke emotion and bring joy to those who experience my paintings.  As an artist, my goal is to combine energy, imagery, and passion to create works of art that make others happy.
www.Starkey-Art.com .
Chesapeake Bay Watercolorists.
Watercolor Society of Alabama
Virginia Watercolor Society