A native of southwest Ohio, Nancy McCarthy grew up with seven
brothers and sisters in the quiet neighborhood of Oakwood, outside of Dayton,
Ohio. As soon as she could hold a crayon, Nancy's love of art became evident. By
age thirteen, she began to hone her skills in an apprenticeship program with a
regionally well known illustrator. During four years of study, she excelled in
many mediums, including oil, acrylic, watercolor and chalk pastels. While most
artists perfect a single medium, Nancy's philosophy differs. "The medium
adds so much to the character of each piece that I feel it would be a shame to
limit my expression by settling into just one."
In 1975, Nancy started her career in commercial art. She
moved to Cincinnati in 1977 where she advanced in her field of pharmaceutical
advertising by working with a few of Cincinnati's finest art firms. In 1984 she
was able to leave her job at Seta Appleman and Showell and concentrate
entirely on fine art. Beginning as a portrait artist, she was quickly drawn away
to follow her passion, painting the beauty and variety of God's natural world.
Painting wildlife, vistas, and domestic animals have
become the focus of Nancy's artistry. The depth and clarity of her work
have brought her regional and national acclaim. With a contemporary flair, she
creates with a unique style that sets her work apart. "I'd like for the viewer
to feel as though they have just experienced a microcosmic moment in the life of
an
animal. An animal's gesture or expression tells a story or evokes emotion on the
viewer's part."
Perhaps you have seen Nancy's work exhibited in one of her
many private and public shows. She has exhibited at wildlife shows, equine
events, and galleries from California to Massachusetts. Nancy exhibited as a
member of the Ohio Society of Nature Artists and now maintains a small studio in
Bethel, Ohio. You can reach her by e-mail