Nan Daly

Nan Daly

Inhale

watercolor

“I’ve been a high school English teacher, a drama director, a college admissions counselor, a professional calligrapher, the co-owner/designer of a greeting card company, and a member of Two by Three Collaborative Collage — but when I discovered watercolors I found a serious commitment to art. That was forty years ago. Although I’ve taken classes at the MFA , the DeCordova, and the New Art Center, I credit Karlyn Holman for showing me how to paint loose and tight in the same painting, and to always keep pushing the medium.

Most of my work has been abstract landscapes and realistic flowers, but lately I have been exploring mixed media and trying to use up some of the extra art supplies I’ve amassed—especially those that I can’t even remember buying, or why. I’ve also been investigating the concept of mindful art: I can meditate with a brush in my hand (though doing art really is a meditation, don’t you think?).

I’ve had solo shows, rejoiced at winning ribbons, tried to be philosophical when I didn’t, exhibited in galleries, taught workshops, given numerous demonstrations, juried shows, and held an annual open studio in my home. Artists need other artists, activities, a sense of community. Active art associations like DAA answer that need. I’m also a Signature Member of the New England Watercolor Society and of the Rhode Island Watercolor Society, and I delight in being part of a tiny group of artists whom my husband has named “The Art Babes.” Although I don’t get out to meetings often, I hope to keep contributing to DAA backstage.”