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As a child, I used to watch my father always drawing.  He was not a professional artist but he had once aspired to be one. My father's drawings were so accurate and I would always try to please him with my own attempts.  He would patiently explain how I could improve them and I would learn something from him every time.  He taught me so much about how to see and what was pleasing to the eye. So, at a very young age it was my goal to be a professional artist.

I majored in fine art and received my degree from the University of Miami in Fine Art. Until I was in college, I was not comfortable using color. I was intimidated by how many colors and color combinations there were. Too many possibilities!  So, I chose to work in printmaking because it was more about the process than creation.  The limitations of the process freed me, as strange as that may sound!  I felt that through the process, itself, I could find my creativity. My professors in college taught color theory and I began to enjoy working with color.  

While I raised my family, I worked as a graphic designer and also as an ad designer at the local newspaper.  Later, when I had more time and freedom, I began taking more classes and painting in oil.  I studied with many excellent teachers. I painted with Dennis Aufiery, a wonderful artist and teacher who taught me how to see warm colors in the greens of tropical Florida. By painting from life, I lost my fear of color.  

For the past 18 years I created many triptychs and diptychs of tropical subjects as well as portraits of people and animals. My most successful subject matter has been under water and coral reef life.  My paintings can be seen in hospitals, office buildings, homes and government buildings.

I have found that painting from live subjects is an excellent way to learn to see.  I regularly paint from live models and I also enjoy doing some plein air painting. When you really observe color in nature, you see how color works.  In nature, reflected light always influences how we see the color around us. Color transitions and there is always an “in-between” color that eases the way from one color to the next.

Today painting from life in color is my favorite way of expressing myself!

Recently I received an email request from a student with the above subject and a list of questions. I have tried to answer all of her questions in the following blog:

Have you created many triptychs?

I have created at least a dozen paintings which connect together as triptychs or diptychs.

Do triptychs take much longer than a normal painting?

Triptychs do take much longer than one painting because there is a lot more planning involved.

Are triptychs more difficult to create a concept for than single canvas pieces?

When I am planning three paintings that will connect together as one image, I am also thinking about how each image will stand on its own as separate painting. Each image needs to be a pleasing balanced painting. So yes, it is more difficult than painting just one image.

Do you prefer to use models, photos, or illustrations to help plan your paintings?

My first inspiration for a painting is a photograph that I have taken. I like to be familiar with the scene or subject that I wish to paint. I am also looking for an original image, as I do not wish to copy someone else’s work. Of course, I am influenced by other artists and photographers and will use them for reference once I have my idea composed.

How did you choose your subjects?

I choose my subjects from nature. Many of my triptychs were created from photographs that I had taken under water in the Florida Keys of the gorgeous reefs and sea life. Unfortunately, the many of the reefs have been dying from warming seas. I am presently working on a triptych of a path at Blowing Rocks in Jupiter.

What do you do to prepare for a painting, such as sketches or research?

I often begin with a thought and work my photography and other images into Adobe Photoshop. Here, I can play with my images until my composition is semi-finalized. I divide the wide image into three separate images to make sure they can stand alone individually. I plan on the size of my final piece and purchase the 3 canvases. I sketch out the image onto the canvas and begin painting large areas until the canvases are filled with paint. Then I will continue to work into the large shapes of color until I am working the detail at the end.

How long does it usually take you to paint a single piece, from the first idea to completion?

The paintings will take me months to complete. I do not work on the paintings every day. I work in oil and the painting must dry between coats. It takes time to evaluate the paintings as an individual painting and also how they relate to each other as a whole scene. The illusion of light created by the color and value of the paint must be balanced as a unit. I know my painting is a success by how long I enjoy looking at my painting.

Are you inspired by any other artists for any of your pieces?

I am inspired my many artists and photographers. Robert Wyland does beautiful paintings underwater scenes and I love his use of color and imagination. Laurie Snow Hein has been a wonderful influence and I know her personally. Her paintings of natural Florida have been purchased throughout the world. Of course, I could not finish without mentioning impressionism and all of the artists that I have loved throughout my life… Vincent Van Gogh, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet and Edouard Manet, just to name a few.

Emilee, I hope this answers all of your questions! Good luck with your project!

Recently I received an email request from a student with the above subject and a list of questions. I have tried to answer all of her questions in the following blog:

Have you created many triptychs?
I have created at least a dozen paintings which connect together as triptychs or diptychs.

Do triptychs take much longer than a normal painting?
Triptychs do take much longer than one painting because there is a lot more planning involved.

Are triptychs more difficult to create a concept for than single canvas pieces?
When I am planning three paintings that will connect together as one image, I am also thinking about how each image will stand on its own as separate painting. Each image needs to be a pleasing balanced painting. So yes, it is more difficult than painting just one image.

Do you prefer to use models, photos, or illustrations to help plan your paintings?
My first inspiration for a painting is a photograph that I have taken. I like to be familiar with the scene or subject that I wish to paint. I am also looking for an original image, as I do not wish to copy someone else’s work. Of course, I am influenced by other artists and photographers and will use them for reference once I have my idea composed.

How did you choose your subjects?
I choose my subjects from nature. Many of my triptychs were created from photographs that I had taken under water in the Florida Keys of the gorgeous reefs and sea life. Unfortunately, the many of the reefs have been dying from warming seas. I am presently working on a triptych of a path at Blowing Rocks in Jupiter.

What do you do to prepare for a painting, such as sketches or research?
I often begin with a thought and work my photography and other images into Adobe Photoshop. Here, I can play with my images until my composition is semi-finalized. I divide the wide image into three separate images to make sure they can stand alone individually. I plan on the size of my final piece and purchase the 3 canvases. I sketch out the image onto the canvas and begin painting large areas until the canvases are filled with paint. Then I will continue to work into the large shapes of color until I am working the detail at the end.

How long does it usually take you to paint a single piece, from the first idea to completion?
The paintings will take me months to complete. I do not work on the paintings every day. I work in oil and the painting must dry between coats. It takes time to evaluate the paintings as individual painting and also how they relate to each other as a whole scene. The illusion of light created by the color and value of the paint must be balanced as a unit. I know my painting is a success by how long I enjoy looking at my painting.

Are you inspired by any other artists for any of your pieces?
I am inspired my many artists and photographers. Robert Wyland does beautiful paintings underwater scenes and I love his use of color and imagination. Laurie Snow Hein has been a wonderful influence and I know her personally. Her paintings of natural Florida have been purchased throughout the world. Of course, I could not finish without mentioning impressionism and all of the artists that I have loved throughout my life… Vincent Van Gogh, Edgar Degas, Claude Monet and Edouard Manet.

Emilee, I hope this answers all of your questions! Good luck with your project!

If you are nearby and want a studio to paint in with all the comforts of home, come join us for a fun filled learning experience.

I just opened my home studio for semi private painting classes! I am in the City of Atlantis located close to Lantana Road and I-95 in Florida.
Beautiful setting with lots of light!

Contact me:
LEAVE A COMMENT and me a painting that you created or an inspirational photo or image that you would like paint from. I would love to work with you. I will get back in touch with you and invite you to join us!

Painting is therapy for the soul!
Painting keeps you in the moment!

PAINTING Classes for Adults in OIL or ACRYLIC

Days: Thursday mornings or Mondays
Time: 11:00 am -2:00 pm
Location: Atlantis (near JFK hospital in Lantana Area)

Class size limited! Individualized Instruction. Adults only. 3 hour classes

Beginners , Medium , Advanced

Private Lessons Available

Learn to paint even if you have never painted before! No matter what your level is, you can become a better artist!

https://nancy-tilles.pixels.com/
https://www.instagram.com/nancy_tilles_fine_art/
https://www.instagram.com/nancytillesartist/
http://www.nancytilles.com/

As a professional artist, I have been showing, selling and teaching painting to adults in my studio for the past 17 years. For the last six years I have been offering classes through Palm Beach Gardens Recreation Center on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays from 9:30-12:30 am and Tuesday afternoon painting class from 1 to 4 pm.

For classes in the Palm Beach Gardens area: http://www.pbgfl.com/578/Adult-Art-Classes

I have met wonderful artists, from all over the world. Many have become my good friends. Some of the artists that I have taught were quite accomplished and others were beginners. Now quite a few have blossomed to become serious professional artists, showing and selling their paintings, winning awards and publishing their work.

If you have never taken an art class and would like to how to paint, why don't you give it a try! You will be pleasantly surprised at what you can accomplish. If you are already a practicing artist you will have the chance to make your drawings and paintings more accurate and more exciting.

Classes are limited in size and you will receive plenty of individualized instruction. Thrive on the company of other artists and enjoy exchanging creative thoughts and ideas.

Hi Artists,

Beginning Tuesday, April 22, I will be teaching Oil and Acrylic Painting to adults in the Wellington area! I am very excited about this opportunity to work with my friends in the western communities once again!

The class is being sponsored by the Wellington Art Society and will be held at Bootz Culture Camp which is located at Royal Office Park, 420 South State Road 7, Suite 120. Bootz Culture Camp is a multicultural, educational visual art studio offering entertaining classes for kids, teens and adults. To learn more: www.bootzculturecamp.com

Classes will be held on Tuesday Afternoons in Wellington from 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm beginning Apr 22 through May 27.
The session will be 7 weeks long for $190.

Bobbin Salisbury will be teaching Watercolor Classes at Bootz Culture Camp on Thursday mornings from 10 - 12:30 pm beginning Apr 24 through May 29. Please contact Bobbin at 561-762-8654 or email bobbinsartwork@aol.com. To view her website: www.bobbinsartwork.com

Plus... this summer I will be teaching at Easel Art on 810 Park Ave., Lake Park.

For more info please click on this link: http://nancytilles.com/lessons.html

Artfest by the Sea in Jupiter this weekend!

Date: Saturday, March 8th and 9th
Time: 10 am to 5 pm Saturday and Sunday
Location: Loggerhead Park on A1A between Donald Ross and Marcinsky in Jupiter, Florida

If you love Art Festivals at the Beach...
Check out all of the wonderful art!
Come and say hello!

A great way to engage with your customers locally is to offer home visits. Some times it can be very difficult to visualize how a painting is going to look until it is up on your wall. To find out more information on how I can help my clients choose their artwork, click on the link. http://www.nancytilles.com/blog/index.php

Click below to read how adding vibrant color can transform a painting!

Click on link to view article on decorating your home like an aquarium... feel like you are living with marine life creatures under the sea!

OIL or ACRYLIC PAINTING Classes for Adults in Palm Beach Gardens Florida

Days: Choice of Tuesdays or Wednesdays (once a week)
Time: 9:30 am -12:30 pm
Location: Palm Beach Gardens Recreation Center, 4404 Burns Road, Palm Beach Gardens

Cost: see website: http://www.pbgfl.com/content/76/1304/3059/default.aspx

Class size limited! Individualized Instruction. Adults only. 3 hour classes grouped in sessions

Beginners , Medium , Advanced

Private Lessons Available

Learn to paint even if you have never painted before! No matter what your level is, you can become a better artist!

To register for classes call 561-630-1100. You can reach me at: 561-889-1010

http://www.nancytilles.com
http://www.pbgfl.com/content/76/1304/3059/default.aspx

As a professional artist, I have been showing, selling and teaching painting to adults in my studio for the past 10 years. I am now offering classes through Palm Beach Gardens Recreation Center on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 9:30-12:30 pm. I had been teaching on Wednesdays but are now offering Tuesday classes, as well.

I have met wonderful artists, from all over the world. Many have become my good friends. Some of the artists that I have taught were quite accomplished and others were beginners. Now quite a few have blossomed to become serious professional artists, showing and selling their paintings, winning awards and publishing their work.

If you have never taken an art class and would like to how to paint, why don't you give it a try! You will be pleasantly surprised at what you can accomplish. If you are already a practicing artist you will have the chance to make your drawings and paintings more accurate and more exciting.

Classes are limited in size and you will receive plenty of individualized instruction. Thrive on the company of other artists and enjoy exchanging creative thoughts and ideas.