Local StoriesJuly 13, 2026

Daily Inspiration: Meet Nancy Van Ness

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nancy Van Ness.

Nancy, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am an oil painter with a BA from the Kansas City Art Institute and an MFA from Fontbonne University.
I started out as a graphic designer working for various ad agencies. I got married, had two kids and then my interest shifted to painting rather than working on the computer. Painting provides me with flexibility and motivation to paint what interests me. In a fast paced world it slows me down to enjoy the beauty in front of me. My goal is to bring a new way of seeing the world and all its beauty to the viewer.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I started selling my paintings online in 2015. After some early success I decided I wanted to improve my painting skills. I went back to school to receive my Master of Fine Arts from Fontbonne University. I now have a website, plus I partner with online sellers of art.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My medium is oil paint, however I experiment with other techniques as well. Such as oil pastels, pastels, watercolor, wax, fabric, etc. My paintings started out very realistic, then as I grew as an artist they became more abstract and symbolic. I am know for painting animals, then portraits & seascapes, now more a mix of abstraction of them all. A lot of times I will use vintage frames and refurbish them, this gives the painting a sense of the old and the new together. My paintings are very impasto with heavy painted surfaces.

Any big plans?
My plan is to continue selling my oil paintings online and when possible in person. A goal would be to exhibit in a gallery that resembles my unique style or to own my own gallery.

Pricing:

$500-$10,000

Contact Info:

Website: https://www.NancyVanNessArt.com
Instagram: nancyvannessart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nancyvannessart/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-van-ness-b904439/
Twitter: nvanness

Portrait of a woman with blonde hair and green eyes, painted in a realistic style, with a colorful abstract background.

A young girl with blonde hair crouches on the ground, wearing a white shirt and brown shorts, with a cloudy sky background.

Woman with long hair in a red top at the beach, with clouds and blue sky in background.

Woman wearing a straw hat and sunglasses, with water and trees in background, touching her lips with fingers, colorful painting.

A woman with long hair tilts her head back, surrounded by colorful abstract background with hearts and flowers.

Person with glasses adjusting them, surrounded by colorful abstract animal and nature images, including a lion and a tiger.

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