INTERVIEW WITH NANCY THYRE, ARTIST OF THE MONTH DECEMBER 2014

Nancy Thyre will be the editor of the PSST newsletter in 2015. She is active in all of the art groups in the Rockport area and has won awards in many regional exhibitions. Nancy says that she "did not call herself an artist until one day she realized she 'could not stop' searching with curious eyes for shapes, values and color." View her website.

PSST  Why are you an artist or how did you choose to become an artist?
NT   It's the one thing I have always wanted to do!  God gave me a passion for art, an eye to see shapes and values, and a colorful, active imagination.  He gave me  a dream to be an artist.  After 60+ years, in 2009, I welcomed the opportunity given me to start painting and I haven't stopped.  In my wildest dreams I would never have believed I would be called an "artist" and this past year has been a dream come true so much has happened.  Most days you will find me with pastel in hand painting and praising God, my source of inspiration and thanking my husband, Larry, my encourager.

PSST  Where do you paint? Home, studio, corner of a room? How is it set up?
NT  Most people in their retirement years are downsizing but in March 2013 we moved  into a larger home.  Why?  So I could have a studio for painting.  I added extra lighting, TV and BluRay for DVDs, computer, printer, file cabinets, easel, work station, and filled a large closet with all the other art necessities.  Larry calls it  "Nancy's Art Cave" because I enter, then I'm not seen again for long periods of time except for occasional food and beverage. I'm sure all of you can relate.  Larry also built me a large framing table in the garage and then an 8' x 8' double rack for storing frames, mats and gatorboards.  We installed a laminate wood floor because I prefer mopping to remove the dust.  I located my easel so I can see it  from the hallway for critiquing from a distance.   I love it all .... I call it "Cave Heaven".

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PSST  What is your subject matter and how do you choose it?
NT   Nature offers so many beautiful subjects.  Whatever catches my eye I sketch or photograph.  It might be a reflection, shadow, light bouncing off something colorful, or maybe an intriguing shape or a great composition. Being receptive, always observing, waiting expectantly for the next painting to appear before me is what works for me. Sometimes I just get an idea and go looking for it. Working this way excites me.  I am connected to my subject and if i capture that, my painting reflects it and I connect with the viewer.

PSST  What is your art background? Academic, self-taught, workshops?
NT  I took one art class at night after work long ago. Then in 2009 I saw a flyer with art classes listed and said "Oh, that would be fun."  So my husband gave me an art workshop as a birthday present.  I've been painting ever since.   I study works of other artists and learn from them. Before I go to sleep I read art books  and art magazines.  Whenever I can I watch DVDs, You Tube and attend workshops.  I think the way I've learned the most is "JUST DOING IT" ! Playfully experimenting, not being afraid to fail and doing it consistently has been my best teacher. 

PSST  How do you describe your painting style and color choices?
NT   I like to think of myself as a Colorist. I like bold, intense color.  I am attracted to it and love playing with it. Crayons were about the only toy I had as a child and I was so excited I jumped up and down giggling the day I found out there were more than twelve.

PSST  If you paint from life (plein air or a model), describe an interesting or funny  experience.
NT   I was at a workshop at Ghost Ranch, a new painter and my first plein air  experience. I had just purchased oil paints, a tripod and one of those really nice,  lovely wooden Open M boxes that hold your canvas panel and is also your palette.  I  certainly did not want to get that lovely box all messed up with staining oil paints.   I put a sheet from a paper palette in the box and put my paints on it.  It was  October in New Mexico.  The surroundings were beautiful;  bright yellow  cottonwoods, mountains in all shades of light and shadow and the air was crisp, cool and fresh.  My canvas was changing from blank white to cobalt violet, yellow ochre and shades of gold.   Then, a gust of wind grabbed that paper palette from the box. It blew here and there landing upside down.  Paint everywhere, no safe place to step.  The grass  was every color on the color wheel.  The instructor looked at me and said, "Put that paint on the box" .

PSST  What art events do you have scheduled?
NT    This December I have two paintings juried into the Dimensions Show at the Corpus Christi Art Center,  Also I have a painting in the Currents Exhibit at the Rockport Art Center.   I am one of 3 judges for a Student Art Exhibit at Port Aransas Art Center.  I am currently teaching weekly pastel classes at the Port Aransas Art
Center and will  continue to teach in 2015.  In January, I will begin teaching weekly pastel classes at the Rockport Art Center.  Can I use this  opportunity to take Rita Kirkman's advise and "brag"?    2014 has been a dream come true for me.  I had many opportunities and I was prepared to act on them.  Check out my website and please "Friend' and like me on FB and visit my website nancythyre.com.  Thanks Rita, never would have known to do that without your advice.

PSST  How do you sell/show your work? Galleries, online, home studio tour, open house?
NT   I am a member and actively participate in three local art centers:  Rockport Art Center, Port Aransas Art Center and Corpus Christi Art Center.  I exhibit in the members galleries, the annual members shows, submit to juried shows, exhibit in Latitude 28 02 Gallery, Rockport, in my home studio by appointment and on my FASO website.  Also this past year I joined PSST and hope to participate in some exhibits the coming year.

PSST  Do you have any marketing or exhibiting tips that you would like to share?
NT  Tell people to like your FB and visit your website like I just did.  Be prepared. Do the work!  Be disciplined, consistent, persistent and put it "out there" locally and on line.   If you do the work, you'll be prepared when opportunities to exhibit and sell arise.  Network with other artists and listen.  I do and I have learned a lot. PSST is a great way to do that.  If you want to help another artist, bring her to
PSST... that's how I got there.   Thank you Sharon Haney for inviting me.

PSST  What social media, websites or art-focused groups are you associated with?
NT  FB, Linked, FASO website and numerous Art and Pastel Groups.

PSST  What are your goals as an artist?
NT     First to always give back to art more than I have been given.  Also to be vulnerable;  unafraid to create uniquely Nancy artwork.  To wander from the safety of realism toward my own expressiveness wherever that takes me.

PSST  What do you hope people gain from viewing your work?
NT  Be moved by my work and appreciate all art. Perhaps take it home because they want to continue to enjoy it.

PSST  What projects or activities are you working on for PSST?
NT   I have committed to Chair the Newsletter for PSST for 2015.  I have been learning the basics of the software used for producing the newsletter.  Carolyn has done so much work to make this easy.  I can't imagine doing this if she had not. I am relying on you all to help me by providing me with news, information, comments, feedback, or suggestions.  Thank you.