About Nadia

Keeping art a key focus in my life is a priority. Art is a resource for me when I face hard times. Turning to my art keeps me going, and propels my painting. I find that traumatic events in my life affect me in a positive way when I use the energy expressively in my art.  

From the time I was a small girl, when I was having difficulty in learning to read and write, I found that I had a natural ability when painting and drawing. This brought me validation and encouragement, even as doing other schoolwork was often impossible.  When I was diagnosed with dyslexia, I was able to get needed support. Growing up on Capital Hill, I was fortunate to be a short walk from the Smithsonian art museums, which exposed me to many masters.

At Clark University, I studied drawing, printmaking and graphic design. After suffering a bad concussion in my junior year, my art took a turn and became bolder. Large figurative drawing became a focus. It soon became apparent that painting was the medium I loved. 

I moved to Boston and after the death of my father, I took classes at Mass College of Art to help navigate the loss. I also became pregnant, and chose to paint in acrylics while raising my children. At that time I switched my focus to painting still life, often painting with direct sunlight that highlighted dramatic shifts in color and value.

I then found a new interest in painting the sky. I wanted to return to oil paint, and took classes with Elaine Spatz-Rabinowitz at the SMFA. This gave me new confidence and direction. Clarity came into my life. My expressive paintings of the sky provoke intense feelings and dynamically engage my audience.