Some people recycle, others drive hybrid cars. Nancy Lee Davis paints landscapes.
The Clarksville resident worked for three decades in environmental activism, chairing the Maryland League of Conservation Voters and serving as president of the Howard County Conservancy Board, but saw little change.
“In spite of all my efforts working towards environmental legislation, I could still see the landscape disappearing before my eyes, especially in Howard County,” Davis said. “So I took up landscape painting, figuring that?s the sure way to preserve it, at least on my canvas.”
Many of Davis? Impressionist-like paintings show places and buildings around Maryland that no longer exist, such as “old barns that are now office parks,” Davis said.
The artist began painting about 12 years ago and currently has more than 20 paintings on display at the Artists? Gallery in Columbia.
“I think that [my paintings] take people to a beautiful place, and remind them of how precious these beautiful places are,” Davis said. “Both environmentally and historically. I tend to paint nostalgically, things we don?t see anymore.”
Davis first finds emotional inspiration in a location. Color, light and any interesting shapes all play a part. She blocks in basic shapes, then layers the darkest colors first.
“I just look and feel the colors that are out there in the landscape,” she said. “But I imagine that I exaggerate them a little bit.”
“Nancy has an interesting use of color. I think that her love of nature and the outdoors really comes through in her paintings,” gallery Director Diane Dunn said. “Some of her work borders on abstract, but it?s definitely representational. She captures the light very well.”
IF YOU GO
Nancy Lee Davis exhibit
» Venue: The Artists? Gallery, 10227 Wincopin Circle, Columbia
» Times: 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday
» Tickets: Free
» More info: 410-740-8249
