Throughout my life, I’ve enjoyed interpreting nature and color in paint whether on paper, fabric or canvas. My current work is a response to feelings and moods the constantly changing light creates in the landscape. I want to connect you with an evocative experience. I want you to feel as if you’re in that place, at that time, to give you a heightened sense of the warmth, smells, textures, colors, atmosphere and action I find in nature.
My oil painting continues to be influenced by Piet Mondrian’s early landscapes, Pierre Bonnard, Nell Blaine, Fairfield Porter and the Canadian artists known as the “Group of Seven.”
Glory Pass, Oil, 22″ x 28″
Mountain View, Oil, 12″ x 24″
Contemplating Fall, Oil, 42″ x 48″
PULL!, Oil, 24″ x 36″
Daybreak on the James, Oil, 11″ x 14″
Castle Rock, Oil, 16″ x 20″
Biographical information:
Nan Mahone Wellborn is a landscape painter whose home base is in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Primarily she paints in oils outside, along the banks of rivers or ponds that offer reflections and movement. When the weather isn’t friendly, she seeks out a window view or a still life. Observation is at the root of her work.
Nan’s paintings are driven by an emotional and expressive interpretation of her interest in a sense of place. Her style captures the immediacy of the moment. She strives for tension between classic themes based in reality and brought to life with a modern sense of color.
In 2010 – 2011, she was awarded a GAP grant by the Arts Council of the Blue Ridge – “Grants for Artists Program” – that assisted her development of large scale format paintings. Sized from 36” or 42” X 48”, to 48” X 60”, the scale pushes a sense of immediacy and invites the viewer to be a part of the scene.
Nan’s paintings were selected for the 2014 exhibition, “Home Sweet Home”, at the Eleanor D. Wilson Museum, Hollins University. She was among 16 artists featuring interpretations of a “sense of place”.
The Blue Ridge Land Conservancy (BRLC) and her land conservation work at Conservation Partners have inspired Nan’s interest in open space land conservation. A “sense of place” holds a strong meaning for her and she identifies with landowners keen interest in their preserving their farms and forests. Capturing conserved spaces is a painting priority. For ten years Nan has painted the annual awards for the BRLC
When Nan was growing up, painting her mother’s expertly designed flower arrangements was a sure means to keep her busy. These early artistic efforts fostered in her an interest in the observational painting of nature and colourful landscapes as they are affected by light. The artistic support of her husband, Bill, along with the guidance of local artists and the company of good friends continues to enhance her work. She complements her interest in the landscape by working with Conservation Partners, LLC to assist in the development of farm and forest land conservation easement donations with landowners throughout Virginia.
Nan’s website: nanmahonewellborn.com
email: nanmahonewellborn@gmail.com phone:540.797.9205
Firnew Farm Artist's Circle 