 Portfolio of
Leith Nance
View Artist Statement
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Gallery Direct Interview with LEITH NANCE
Leith Nance, who has worked and traveled in a number of countries, describes herself as a “citizen of the world.” Her paintings are as diverse as her life experiences, encompassing all subject matter imaginable. Her artwork, although varied, is unique and can be identified immediately.
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Many artists have early childhood memories of painting. Could you tell us about your earliest memory you have and what medium you were using at the time?
Whenever I try to conjure up an "earliest memory of painting" I come up with a plaster-of-paris hanging, about 3"X5" that I did in grade 10 art class. It was a picture of a little white house with a red roof and black chimney. The house was flanked by fir trees and had a red fire hydrant nearby. Everything was topped with a fresh layer of snow. I am sure there were other earlier ones, done at school, but they have eluded me.
During your career, who/what has given you the most inspiration?
People, over the years, who have commented on sketches or posters or whatever I was doing at a given time, and said: "you should be using that talent". I have many sketch books in which there are many memories. If I need an idea going through those books often turns on the light bulb.
What kinds of images did you first start out with and what medium did you use?
My first pieces were watercolour pictures of trees and hills. Someone told me, two years ago, that while clearing out her mother's apartment, she had come upon a small painting that I had given to her when I was 11 years old. Apparently it is a watercolour of trees. Other than that I worked primarily in pen and ink or pencil and a sketchbook. I did illustrations for yearbooks and other books as a child. As an adult I ventured into oil painting and worked in that medium for about 10 years rediscovering watercolour.
Your work spans a broad subject matter that ranges from Abstracts to Landscapes to Whimsical pieces. What subject matter do you find the most fulfilling to you and why?
Each and every piece that I finish makes me feel good. If a painting does not work out to my satisfaction, I cover it with a coat of gesso and start over in acrylics. Abstracts are my favourites, the cartoons and whimsical are fun, landscapes remind me of journeys and of good times.
Have your life experiences influenced your work? If so, in what way.
My life experiences have been many and varied. I have traveled extensively and lived long periods of time in other cultures. Visiting museums and art galleries around the world has opened my eyes and my mind to many kinds of art, from marble statues to blown glass, to children's renditions of a trip from kindergarten to the local store. Perhaps working in a mental hospital, for two years as a student nurse, for one year as a graduate and for two more years as in instructor has given me insights to human behaviour that many other people are denied. Perhaps that is where pleasure from the abstract arises.
What is your ideal working atmosphere? Do you listen to music while you paint?
I have a good selection of favourite music, mostly classical, that I play when I am getting into a piece. Once underway I usually listen to the radio and take whatever comes. Most of the time I cannot recall what was on. In other words: I guess I'm not really listening.
Do you have a sketch or an idea before you start to paint?
Sometimes. Usually for the whimsical ones. Often for a scene to identify the apportioning of space for form, mass and centre of interest. Even these would just be thumbnail sketches.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I am a member of the Nanoose Watercolour Group. We started meeting in 1992 and have been together ever since. I was among the founders. We meet almost every Monday in a room where we hold our annual show and sale. The group members are motivating. We have a three-day workshop once a year and that prompts me to try something different. I find that selling a painting is a great motivator. In the summer most of the group meets and makes a day of outdoor painting. I usually play golf.
What has been the biggest challenge for you so far?
Painting in the summer when the weather is good and there is a chance to play golf instead.
As an artist, do you think you perceive the world differently?
I think my perception of the world is very different from those who have done their traveling through books and movies or who have restricted their experiences to those shared by people they know well. Am I an artist because of my perception or is my perception different because I am an artist? I don't know.
If you were to give an artist just starting out in their career some advice what would that be, and why?
Sketch and sketch until you know you can see what it is you want to do. That will change over time but that is a great way to start. Invest in GOOD brushes, paints and paper or canvas. Attempting to paint with poor materials will result in disappointment and despair.
Try copying some of the old masters. That will give you a sense of colour, design, centre of interest, what to put in and what to leave out. If possible, take lessons in an established school of fine art. I made several copies of Vincent Van Gogh’s restaurant scene and now that the irises are in bloom I have a good mind to take a look at his painting of irises.
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