OCTOBER ARTIST OF THE MONTH: NANCY DEE

Nancy L. Biesemeier Dee is a fourth generation resident of the rural plains of Northeastern Colorado.  As a lifelong painter, she especially remembers two elementary teachers that encouraged her interest in art.  After receiving her college degree in Business Education and a masters in Computer Education, Dee continued to pursue her art interests while teaching and raising three sons.  For many years, she painted when her schedule allowed and was able to study under several nationally-known watercolorists.  Over the years she has won several local art awards for her watercolor paintings and developed a strong interest in pastel painting. 

One of her watercolor paintings won an Award of Excellence at the Association of Nebraska Art Clubs (ANAC) conference in June and is currently in the ANAC Traveling Show which is comprised of the top twenty-six artworks from that conference.  Later in the summer one of her pastel paintings received a 2nd Place Award in the 10th Annual Mile High International Pastel Exhibition that was held at the Denver Public Library in Denver, CO.  Her artwork was also chosen by the Denver Public Library's graphic designer to be one of four displayed on the "poster" for the event.

Strong parts of Dee's award winning paintings are color relationships and rural subjects.  She loves to capture things in the rich saturated colors and vibrant light of Northeast Colorado where she and her husband live on their farm south of Paoli.  In addition to painting and supporting the local arts, she shares her love of watercolor and pastel through teaching.  Remembering how she started in college when she attended a local artist's workshop in watercolor painting and got "hooked" on painting, Dee enjoys sharing her knowledge.
Dee is a member of the Cheyenne County, Ogallala, Wray and Yuma art guilds, as well as the Colorado Watercolor Society, Pastel Society of Colorado, and the Association of Nebraska Art Clubs.

Nancy Dee's award-winning watercolor painting titled "Yavatai Yucca" has been on display at the Sidney Public Library and twelve other artworks at the Cheyenne County Community Center since October 13th.  The public is encouraged to view these fine artworks.  Other artworks of Dee's can be viewed at  www.frenchmancreek.com.