I have always been an artist, as a child growing up and as a young adult. It was not until I was able to paint full time that I became passionate about painting the land around me. I often feel that life is too short, there is so much “out there” that calls my name. It is humbling to be in nature and to live in the four corners of the southwest. Landscape painting takes me to places I have been and places I long to explore. Painting canyons for several years, I love the raw and rugged beauty that they possess. This reflects “life” in a way that resonates with me. 

Oil painting is my primary form of expression. I achieve the vibrancy of color and texture whether I use a palette knife or brush. My process begins with the visual beauty before me. I take a multitude of photographs. Sometimes I do a small painting on location to capture the mood of the day, enhanced by my energy and anticipation. Sketching and taking notes of the scene. Sometimes deafening quiet, or hearing a canyon wren or raven squawk. I’ll listen to the wind. Painting from life is its own reward. 

Taking my small study back to the studio I will map out the process of establishing the perfect composition for my scene. I often use vibrant acrylic colors of crimson, gold, and turquoise to tone my canvas or panel. This is the underpainting which gives a warm glow to the oil paints I place on top. 

The important element of a scene for me is to invoke the feeling to the viewer that I had when I chose the location. I want the viewer to make a connection, or have a special memory of the location that I have painted. I have achieved my purpose and know that the painting is a success when the viewer recalls the location, often sharing a special story of their experiences while they were there. The same is true whether I paint a mountain landscape or the wide open plains. 

My biggest challenge is to be true to myself when I am painting. There is no view in either direction that calls louder than another. I may have my favorites, but I am seeing what millions have seen before me. Towering buttes and canyon walls, flowing rivers and the ruins of an ancient culture. 

I am moved by the works of artists Ed Mell and Glenn Dean. Simplicity in composition, extraordinary color and often a sense of loneliness with each painting. I feel the depth, the degree of passion in their paintings. I see my work changing over time by becoming less hindered by capturing exactness in a scene but allowing the viewer to fill in what they know to be there. I am encouraged by my collectors as well as artists that this is a natural progression for me. I will continue my journey to carve out a place for myself and aspire to new plateaus. I’ll listen to the wind.

About the Artist

Nancye Culbreath grew up in a military family living in different parts of the world. While living in the Washington DC area she came to love and ride horses which became the subject of her art. 

In Culbreath’s 20’s, she left the east coast and moved to Colorado. Culbreath never felt more in touch with nature and the beauty of the open vistas of the west. She met Greg, her future husband and they settled in LaVeta, a popular ranching and arts community near the Spanish Peak mountains. Culbreath was able to take her art to new levels with art mentors, workshops and art instruction from professional artists in the region. 

Culbreath’s love for riding her horses deepened her appreciation for the colors of the Southwest with their intensely blue skies. Enjoying over 30 years in LaVeta, raising three children, a new chapter in her life began by moving to Colorado Springs in 2007. To help support her art pursuits, she became a certified custom framer and opened her own frame shop. This led to the introduction of artist’s which helped elevate her art career. Vacation time was spent in Utah roaming the canyons and boating on Lake Powell. A series of paintings developed and she launched her website with colorful canyon artwork while continuing private art instruction to improve her craft. 

Selling her framing business in 2017, she and her husband moved from Colorado Springs to build their own home north of Monticello, UT. This rural community has given her access to the canyons and the beauty that still inspires her daily creativity.