How have artists found inspiration during such a challenging and isolating time?
We posed this question to our members recently, and the responses were diverse. One theme remains constant, however. Artists are still creating and sharing their work. For many, the pandemic has offered a unique opportunity to think outside of the box and to re-imagine how and why they create art. Read on to learn about three of our members, Nancy Boyle, Mei-Ling Ellerman, and Barney Levitt, and find out what they have been up to during the pandemic.
Nancy Boyle, painter & designer
Nancy has been busy transforming her art into an e-commerce business. After feeling adrift in the early days of the pandemic, eventually she tapped into her talent as an artist as well as her computer skills to create a website and blog where she can market her work and offer all sorts of fun items- from bags to mugs to flip flops!
She calls her store "Nellenby," after an imaginary land she envisioned where the whimsical animals that she has painted live.
Products in Nellenby - Tradition inspired collection
"Making art always leads to wanting to share it with others. I decided to try something I had thought about for a long time. An online store that would allow me to ‘place’ my art on products to sell."
The offerings are grouped into "inspirations", ranging from her interest in classic illustration style, a love of Picasso, and her traditional artwork. Contact her if you want to learn more about her experience creating an online store: nancy@nellenby.com
Read more about Nancy's new venture, Nellenby, and sign up for news here.
Follow Nellenby on Facebook.
Barney Levitt, painter
Barney has been actively working on his art and planning exhibitions.
My galleries on Cape Cod have reopened their doors (with special guidelines and precautions in place). I will be part of a two-man exhibition at the Stewart Clifford Gallery, 338 Commercial St., Provincetown, MA. The show opened on June 20th. For more information call 508-487-0451. www.stewartcliffordgallery.com
Also, Gallery Antonia has reopened its doors and will be showing my work all summer. They're located at 1291 Main Street, 2nd level, Chatham, MA. 508-469-4020. Ask to speak with Dominic to answer questions about my work.
I have a home gallery with over 75 paintings on display here in Ashland, MA. Please call if you'd like to make an appointment to come see the space. 508-981-0556.
Mei-Ling Ellerman
Mei-Ling Ellerman is offering her popular classes online. She started teaching for Arts Wayland at the W Gallery and her printmaking classes were very well regarded. When the virus hit, she immediately moved her teaching online. Read more to find out how to register and read reviews!
Are you interested in joining a small group online drawing class to rapidly develop your drawing ability? I've just opened enrollment for two new beginner drawing classes (max 5 students) on Fridays and Tuesdays.
I teach fundamental drawing and observation skills that will help you to quickly improve the realism and accuracy of your drawings. If you would like to arrange a class with only your friends and family, I can customize a Family & Friends class.
If interested in a class, please contact me at meiling.ellerman@gmail.com. Background: I am a local artist and printmaker, based in Wayland. To view my past work and work in progress, please check out my page on Instagram. Student Reviews: Ashley, an avid 11-year-old art student-- "I feel as though before, I didn't even know how to draw." Nancy R -- " loved the printmaking class with Mei-Ling. I didn’t know what to expect and it was beyond my expectations. I ended up making 2 different designs for my notecards. Being the Holiday season, I used 5 of my cards and everyone loved them. I would definitely take another class with Mei-Ling."