"French Twist" by Nancy Noel May

Fishermen of Marseille 8x10Acrylic on Canvas

Nancy Noel May, local artist and painter is Spectrum Art & Jewelry's featured artist for the month of May. Nancy has recently returned from a trip to France. Inspired by the many flavors of Avignon, Marseille and Paris, Nancy has created some of her best work to date. These paintings are vibrant, exciting and bursting with color.

Nancy Noel May has always loved to paint and has been doing so now for over 50 years. Having grown up in a small community on the Chesapeake Bay, the coastal influences of color, light and scenery have been with her from the very start. Bright color and impressionistic lines are characteristic of her work. She enjoys painting in the plein-air style, which is pianting outdoors. Plein-air was a central feature of French Impressionist masters, another clearly seen influence in Nancy's work. In 2004 she returned to acrylics after a long stint with oils. She has found that the quicker drying time forces her to paint more spontaneously.

In addition to her first love, painting, she is also extremely passionate about traveling. She is never caught traveling without a sketch book and camera to record her experiences. She went to Paris, France for the first time three years ago and it was love at first sight. This second trip she was able to explore more of France extending her travels to Marseille, Avignon and Paris. She loved the glamor of Paris but found the quaint villages of Avignon and the coast and boating communities of Marseille to be equally charming. Each location offering a unique variety of aesthetic riches for her to translate into paint. The paintings for her “French Twist” Exhibit are acrylics on either 8x10 or 6x12 canvas of a variety of subjects and locations from across France. Her vision is to make paintings reminiscent of post cards and snapshots to inspire reflection and memories.

There is an artist reception during Spectrum Art & Jewelry's May Open House and Wine Tasting from 5 to 7 pm on Friday May 13 where Nancy will present her work. Music will be provided during the evening by local musician, Phillip Pennington.

Taylor