Naomi Wilsey paints primarily in watercolors with traditional subject matter. She also paints in the Japanese brush painting style called “sumi-e” which means “ink painting.” Naomi is an art teacher and has a background in graphic design and marketing and communications. She majored in Fine Arts and Education at the University of Colorado and holds a master’s degree in Communications Management from Simmons College where she taught graduate school after graduating.

“A special part of painting to me, is to get lost in the ‘flow.’ That is, to be focused and in the moment of the process where time and place disappear. Florals, landscapes and seascapes are among my favorites for subject matter. Plein air painting is my way to connect with nature. It’s peaceful and gives me time to appreciate natural beauty,” comments Naomi.

She adds, “One quirky type of painting I do is to sketch watercolors in moving vehicles – planes, trains, cars and boats. Don’t worry. It’s when I’m a passenger. I sometimes use pen and ink before or after painting. It’s good practice because when I paint in my stationary studio or at our Dedham Art Association weekly Painting Group, it feels easier!”

In the past couple of years, Naomi has been invited to display her artwork in solo exhibitions at Goddard House Assisted Living in Brookline and Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea, Natick. Her paintings have been juried into national and member exhibits with New England Watercolor Society and Rhode Island Watercolor Society and exhibits at the Rockport Art Association & Museum, Gallery Twist and Zullo Gallery.

Communicating through art and about art is important to Naomi. She enjoys participating in Needham Open Studios to be able to talk with visitors about her art and processes. She’s given demonstrations / workshops and served as a juror for art associations and loves meeting other artists as a result.

Naomi is the current Programs vice president of the Dedham Art Association and a past president. She belongs to local art associations and participates yearly in Needham Open Studios.

Her career roles include public school art teacher, Advertising Manager at Prentice Hall publishing, Senior Marketing Manager for IBM and Marketing Director for Optum (United Healthcare Group.)

She paints and teaches art lessons in her home studio in Needham, MA and is married to kind and patient David, who is a member of Dedham Art Association.

Website: https://naomiwilseyart.com/

“I began drawing and coloring since I was 5 years old and developed two loves for creating colorful art and studying music— the piano. I chose to dedicate my time to piano that later became my life's profession in performing and teaching. Though I never completely abandoned art, I continued drawing as a hobby. After I married my husband, his uncle, a famous European painter, inspired and encouraged me to take up oil painting. My husband and I are from Belgrade, Serbia. We moved to Paris, New York and Boston to become US Citizens. Having more time for art, I explored pastels and watercolor then discovered my true passion for oil painting…”

“I have been involved in the art world all of my life, both professionally and personally. I taught Elementary School Art in Needham for 24 years, then Middle School Art for 3 years and I continue to be a representational artist showing work throughout New England. I feel very fortunate to have a passion and love for painting and have taken advantage of many educational opportunities. I attribute many of my accomplishments to the creative path I have taken. As a painter, I work with oil paint and soft pastels. Although oil sometimes feels more professionally acceptable, I am more partial to pastel for the vibrancy and complexity that can be achieved layering the color. Having spent many years on the Maine coast, I am often drawn to ocean and marsh themes. I love the challenge of capturing the color, light and movement. I seem to waver between power and peacefulness. I remain very grateful to have my art…”