“Since I could hold a crayon, I’ve been drawing and painting,” said Nancy Wernersbach, the artist of this year’s cover of the SummerTime! special. The Garden City native, who now resides in Lynbrook, has been involved in the world of art in as many ways as possible—through work, teaching and pleasure—and is currently a member of the American Artists Professional League.
The cover, which was originally designed for a jigsaw puzzle, is just one of many pieces Wernersbach has created for various products. Her work has appeared on garden flags, greeting cards, floor mats and more. Presently, she paints designs primarily in watercolor and oil for an art licensing agency, but has held several jobs in the artistic realm within the past decade.
One of Wernersbach’s first creative explorations was replicating record album covers. She later took an interest in fine art, which led to the development of her current realistic style, for which she has been awarded multiple honors, including several Awards of Excellence from the Art League of Nassau County and an honorable mention from the Art League of Long Island.
The beach is a predominant theme in her work, as she has always loved the relaxing environment of Long Island’s East End. She attended college at Southampton College for Fine Arts, and over the years has accumulated many photos from the area to use as inspiration for her artwork. The SummerTime! cover encompasses exactly what Wernersbach wants people to envision when they think of summer on Long Island: “beach chairs, flip-flops, sand castles…[it’s] the best time of year to be here,” she said.
Other subjects she often features are animals, houses—she does home and pet portraits—landscapes and flowers. Her paintings of Old Westbury Gardens were exhibited at the mansion last month.
Much of Wernersbach’s artwork is also purchased by homeowners who are moved by her pieces. What is most rewarding about that, she said, is seeing “the happiness it brings to people when they connect with a painting” and being able to “spread that beauty in the world.”
Wernersbach also teaches watercolor classes at the Westbury and Jericho libraries, and finds pleasure in helping senior citizens “rediscover their artistic abilities.”
Visit www.nancywernersbach.com to view more of Wernersbach’s artwork, find upcoming shows and check out her blog.
