Featured Artist Nancy Boisvert | Artsy Shark

Oil painter Nancy Boisvert captures wildlife in her realistic and often whimsical style, using precious metal accents. Enjoy her amazing portfolio and visit her website to see more.

painting of a horned sheep with gold leaf horns

“Le Bélier” oil and metal leaf on canvas, 40″ x 40″

I’ve always felt a deep pull toward creating. From a young age, I was fascinated by animals and the natural world, often sketching creatures that sparked my imagination.

realistic oil painting of a chimpanzee with Klimt-like background

“Gustav Chimp” oil and metal leaf on canvas, 40″ x 40″

But it wasn’t until about twenty-five years ago that painting became something much deeper, a way for me to express emotion, curiosity, and connection.

Oil painting of two dappled grey horses

“Spot the Difference” oil and metal leaf on canvas, 48″ x 30″

Over the years, my work has evolved into what I would describe as realistic contemporary art. I tend to focus on a single subject, often an animal, brought to life with texture, depth, and light.

painting of a polar bear on red background

“L’ours Polaire” oil and metal leaf on canvas, 40″ x 40″

I want viewers to feel something personal when they see my work, even if it’s just a flicker of emotion or a question that lingers. For me, a successful painting is one that invites someone to pause and imagine a story beyond the canvas.

whimsical painting of a puffin bird with fish

“Puffin Dream” oil and metal leaf on canvas, 40″ x 40″

I primarily work in oil, though I sometimes incorporate other materials such as metal leaf or textured paper to create subtle layers and contrast. My process is intuitive and hands-on.

whimsical painting of a rabbit and a chocolate rabbit

“Doppelganger” oil and metal leaf on canvas, 40″ x 40″

I often blend paint with my fingers, step back frequently, and let the piece guide me. I’m always searching for balance between realism and imagination, between something that feels alive and something that hints at the unexpected.

realistic oil painting of a cougar sitting on rocks

“Reflection” oil and metal leaf on canvas, 36″ x 36″

Each painting starts with a spark of inspiration, an image, an expression, or a moment that stays with me. I think that’s what I love most about painting: the transformation of a blank canvas into something meaningful, something that might evoke emotion in someone else.

oil painting of a cow with golden horns

“Namaste” oil and metal leaf on canvas, 30″ x 30″

Art has become not just my passion but my path. My goal is to continue growing as an artist and to dedicate myself fully to painting. I want to spend my days creating work that resonates, pieces that reflect both the beauty and vulnerability of life. Every painting feels like a step closer to that dream of living entirely through my art.

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