KATHY NAYLOR

Oils, Pastels

Website: ArtBeat Gallery E-mail: Nayalaska[at]comcast[dot]net

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As a child I was always drawing or coloring on any scraps of paper we had.  I can remember saying that when I grow up I want to be an artist.

Well, life took lots of turns and I guess you can say I have finally grown up and am experiencing my childhood dream. I've always appreciated all different forms of art but never took formal lessons till later in life.

I graduated from Va Tech with a degree in Communication/Marketing and worked in advertising for a local newspaper.  Marriage was next, then children.  My husband, Jerry and I have three children  Mary, Tim and Paige, ages 23, 21 and 17.  For the past 10 years I worked in the public school system part time as a librarian assistant and found myself creating bulletin boards galore.  About 6 years ago I began taking art classes which has opened up a whole new world for me. I am studying under Patricia McMahon Rice and I work primarily in oils and pastels. I am constantly amazed now because I've been taught how to look at the world around me in a totally different way. My work is currently displayed at ArtBeat Gallery in Manassas and Backyard Boutique ( a wild bird shop) in Gainesville.

I find myself repeatedly being inspired by the simple beauty of nature.  I am fascinated by the subtle changes in light, texture and color.  And nature provides such a wealth of subjects. To try to recreate what I see is so very satisfying, and in it I find great joy.  My own backyard has been a backdrop for a lot of my work. I am continually keeping   an eye out for scenery or objects that to me say "paint me".