The Art League exhibits oil paintings by Nancy Mitchell
The Art League of Hilton Head presents Vantage Point – Oil Paintings by Nancy Mitchell. The exhibit opens with a reception on Tuesday June 15 (5 – 7 pm) at the Art League Gallery in Pineland Station. Live music will be performed by Hannan Wicklund.
If you were to ask Nancy how she has managed to remain an independent, working artist over the past 20 years, she would say “thanks to my diversity!”
Her prime vocation is oil painting. And she does her oils in loose, fluid brushwork that gives them a fresh and natural look. Her artistic formation is a great mix of academic and practical training. There was traditional study, private lessons at age 11, art classes full-time at a local college at 16, and an associate’s degree from former Strattford College on Hilton Head Island. However, it was the non-traditional apprentice-style education Nancy received from Leon Stacks at Colorworks Gallery that Mitchell feels did most to shape her as an artist.
On studying with artist Martin Ahrens, Nancy says “he’s the voice in my head when it comes to 
technique and staying loose, I can only hope to pass this knowledge on to my own students.” Mitchell has recently added teaching to her credentials and she lights up when talking about this new path.
A large mural in Savannah, GA inspired Nancy to create a print of Savannah described as a “veritable feast of flora and fauna.” A montage print of Hilton Head and additional marsh scenes, seascapes and animal prints soon followed.
Nancy enjoys the challenge of commission work as well. Trying to create an image from someone else’s imagination is challenging but rewarding. Moreover she paints murals and faux finishes in homes and businesses and creates hand–painted furniture.
Mitchell’s exhibition is partially funded by a grant from the Arts Council of Beaufort County with funds from the City of Beaufort and SC Arts Commission through the NEA. Additional funding is from the John and Susan Bennett Memorial Arts Fund of the Coastal Community Foundation of SC.
Come enjoy Nancy Mitchell’s artist reception with refreshments and live acoustic guitar entertainment by Hannah Wicklund at the opening. Other Art League artists will also be exhibiting their work at the Gallery. The Art League of Hilton Head Gallery in Pineland Station Mall is open Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m. For additional information call the Gallery at 843-681-5060 or visit www.artleaguehhi.org
