Artists of Note | Nancy Haley

An artistic life

Nancy Haley, Neck ‘n Neck, oil, 24 x 16.

This story was featured in the September 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art September 2015 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story!

Nancy Haley’s artistic journey has led her down many different paths. She began creating in third grade, experimented with watercolors at age 12, and continued by making the backdrops for plays all through high school. Haley took that love of art with her to Michigan State University, where she received her fine-art degree. “At MSU I was like a kid in a candy store,” she says. “They had an amazing art department, and I tried just about everything—etching on zinc plates, pottery, painting with acrylics, and graphic arts.”

During college Haley worked as an illustrator for an advertising company and minored in interior design, which led to a job with an architect in Denver, CO. She soon started her own business creating interiors for model homes in Denver. Later she founded two sportswear companies—Sport-Haley Inc. in 1986 and Tehama in 1997 with her business partner, actor Clint Eastwood. During her successful 30-year clothing career, her art was set aside, but Haley knew she would eventually return to her paints and brushes. Five years ago Haley sold her business and took  workshops from painter William Hook, among others. Today she creates landscapes, figures, abstracts, and still lifes en plein air and in her studio. “I always enjoy pushing myself by painting different techniques and subjects,” Haley says. “This exercise makes me better at my craft.” —Joe Kovack

Haley’s work can be found at GalArt, Zihuatanejo, Mexico; Masters Gallery, Vail, CO; and www.nancy
haleyfineart.com.

Featured in the September 2015 issue of Southwest Art magazine–click below to purchase:
Southwest Art September 2015 print issue or digital download Or subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss a story!