Soleil et Ombre au Jardin (Sun and Shadow in the Garden)

I love gardens as they change with time, time of day, and season. Last year I spent long hours studying the colors and patterns made by leaves and blossoms in my back yard, and noted the ever-changing play of sun and shadow from first light through midday to late afternoon. These modulations fascinate me not only every day, but from spring through late summer and into autumn. I've tried also to capture the effect of early morning light streaming through the east windows and doors of the Montgomery Curb Market.

My plan was to paint my subjects close-up and large in order to reveal the intricate twists and curls of leaves and flowers as defined by sunlight -- and to contrast this interplay of shape and hue with the nearly featureless shadows also cast by the sun.

-Nancy Hartsfield

BIOGRAPHY
Nancy Hartsfield was a highly respected professor at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, for close to 35 years educating and mentoring thousands of art students. She authored and received numerous grants, including a matching grant from Apple Computer (with her colleague John Morgan) which initiated the first Apple Computer Lab and computer design classes at Auburn. Earlier in her career, before focusing much of her attention on the emerging computer graphics technology, she participated in numerous regional and national group and juried shows, a practice to which she plans to return. She has acted as an advocate for the arts in many regional and community organizations and given of her time to speak to groups from elementary level to professional organizations and to jury regional shows and exhibitions. She currently serves as vice-chairperson for the Board of DesignAlabama, Inc., as well as Art Director on the DesignAlabama Journal and other print work for the organization. Nancy has also worked with the Alabama State Council on the Arts

1963 Bachelor of Visual Design, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
1965 Master of Fine Arts/Painting and Printmaking Auburn University, Auburn Alabama
1966 Postgraduate Study in Art History and HumanitiesFlorida State University, Tallahassee, Florida