Manhattan Arts International Proudly Presents Nancy Reyner with this Award in Our “Love, Peace, Unity & Hope” 2025 Exhibition
As a masterful contemporary award-winning artist, best-selling author and artist mentor, Nancy Reyner is a positive role model as we try to bring more love, peace, unity and hope into our lives and the lives of others.
It is an honor and pleasure to present this interview with Nancy Reyner as the recipient of the Special Recognition Award in the Manhattan Arts International “Love, Peace, Unity & Hope” 2025 Invitational Exhibition as we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Manhattan Arts International website.
Nancy has been a member of our Online Gallery for several years. She has participated in many of our exhibitions, has received previous awards and has also served as a juror on the Special Awards panel for our art competitions.
Timeless, acrylic on wood panel, 48″ x 60″
Nancy’s art can be seen on display in galleries and in her studio in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She also welcomes commissions and enjoys working with clients to create unique and personal works of art.
Nancy is propelled by a desire to expand her innate creativity and is internationally acclaimed for inventing unusual acrylic techniques, in particular her method of creating clouds and ocean waves. She is highly skilled in a variety of media including oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media and enjoys teaching them to other artists.
At the end of this interview you will find links to several pages on this website and Nancy’s website so you may view more of her paintings, learn about her many career achievements, and find out how to purchase her art.
Take your time to thoroughly view Nancy’s awe-inspiring paintings and read her words of wisdom.
Please visit this page often and share it with your loved ones and friends.
Night Lights of Santa Fe, acrylic on wood panel, 30″ x 40″
Nancy, what do you love most about being an artist?
Freedom. I can spend most of my time doing what I love – painting. In the past I worked corporate jobs, even one for the government, and appreciate that now later in my career I don’t have to punch a clock or work a 9-5 job. I like working in my own studio, on my own, without having to compromise. Creating is also a way to balance my left and right brain hemispheres, which spills over into creating a balanced life.
“I paint ‘exotic versions of heaven’ – places that are beautiful and meditative. Gold leaf and other unusual materials combine with paint to create these imaginary worlds. Nature is my muse for inspiring luminous interpretations of air, water, earth and light.” ~ Nancy Reyner
Blue Curve and Mountain, acrylic and gold (metal) leaf on panel, 16″ x 12”
In what ways do you actively contribute to advancing the welfare of artists and/or the art community?
Helping other artists is fulfilling for me, so I dedicate a portion of my time teaching and coaching. I create videos demonstrating techniques and helpful tips, which are often posted for free on Youtube and my website. I offer first-time complimentary online help for any artist that applies through my website. It’s fun to take a break from my studio work, meet other artists, and feel like I can give back, in return for all those who helped me.
What aspects of your creativity bring you a sense of peace and fulfillment?
Many years ago I started a meditation practice. Maintaining this along with other studies, I obtained techniques to de-stress, focus more clearly, and move through life with more joy. Painting and life often mirror each other, so I was able to apply what I learned in meditation into my creative practice. Now all aspects of being an artist are fun and fulfilling. Not just the creation of art, but sharing, exhibiting, even marketing. It’s all part of the creative process.
Blue Danube, acrylic and gold (metal) leaf on panel, 48″ x 60″
What art plans do you have for 2025 that you are most proud to share with us?
My current focus is painting large-scale, starting with several 7-foot canvases, using acrylic and gold leaf. These will post on my social media as they finish. In addition to painting I am working on a new course. Title is still unknown, but will include many tips and techniques direct from my studio, sharing many of the ways I found to make painting easier and more fun. My other two courses are now updated with French, Spanish and English subtitles.
What small steps do you recommend we make to generate a spirit of unity?
Small steps are the key. Focusing on large issues, such as those portrayed in current news, can feel frustrating because there isn’t much we can do about those. Small steps can be a simple smile to everyone we see during our day, which feels good to both ourselves and others. Generate a true spirit of unity through uplifting behavior, not through force or negative actions. This holds for our local art community, broader internet community and other non-art groups.
What advice can you offer us to remain hopeful about the art world during challenging times of social and economic instability?
Art changes according to the current times. It always has. Human beings are hard-wired to access and appreciate our creative selves, whether we are career artists or not. Great art, made with sincerity and authenticity will always be desired. It may be suppressed or controlled at times, but will never disappear. The art world however, is fickle and follows fashion, which quickly changes. Art that is a one-trick pony, (i.e. centering on current political issues with a heavy message), may provoke in the way the artist intended, but may not be relevant as times change.
Splash and Pop, tryptich
How can we each help you achieve your aspirations and goals?
I look forward to having continual feedback via my social media as I post my work and new events. It is great to stay connected to other artists and art appreciators.
Thank you Nancy for sharing your art and words of wisdom that inspire and empower us.
Visit Nancy’s membership page here.
Three Exhibitions on this website that include Nancy’s Art
“Love, Peace, Unity & Hope” 2025 Exhibition
“The Spirit of Resilience” 2022 Exhibition
“New Beginnings” 2020 Exhibition
Three Articles on this website that include Nancy’s Art
“Many Different Views of Abstract Art by Artists Past and Present”
“Artist Members Show Us Where They Create Their Art”
“Art Transforms Rooms and Art Transforms Lives!”
An interview with Nancy on the Renee-Phillips website
“Interview with the Inimitable Artist Nancy Reyner on the Topic of Success”
This interview with Nancy Reyner lifts my spirits and should become a touchstone for all artists who are passionate and struggling with creating art in these times. Thank you so much, Renee, for everything you do!💖🥰
Thank you Mary for reading this interview. Nancy is a beacon of light and hope. Please share the link to this with all artists who need their spirits lifted!