Southport Magazine

Taking in the incredible beauty of nature is something we can all certainly use during these most difficult times. A solitary walk on the beach and deeply inhaling that salty sea breeze can calm your mind like nothing else. But when it’s cold outside, I suggest a day spent in a museum or browsing local art galleries. A simple still life painting can come to life and bring back treasured memories. Landscape paintings can bring us back to places we have once visited or lived in, taking our minds away from the troubles of the world. 

Nancy Henkel Schulte, local painter originally from Kenosha, Wisconsin, remembers walking through the Chicago Art Museum as a young woman and admiring the Andrew Wyeth collection. Much of her work includes the beauty all around us such as landscapes, still lives, flowers and also includes beloved dogs and architectural studies. “I have been painting for 35 years and try very hard to improve with every painting and lesson. I have gone to every art museum in my travels and I always carry my sketchbook and camera,” she said.“ I have taken from more than 40 people…” 

Always the creative artist, Schulte also loves to work with her hands in cooking, decorating, sewing, quilting, writing and knitting. “I was very good even as a grade school artist and won awards through high school. However, I thought I should have a ‘real job’ and was very interested in nursing as my career. I continued to take art lessons while raising four kids and nursing,” she said. “People always ask me how long it takes me to do a painting. I think and dream about a painting before I ever sketch. An artist ‘sinks in’ a creative mode and time just flies,” she explained. “I love people, animals, flowers and landscape. I like to show ordinary things in a meaningful way. Sometimes a subject is serious, calm, silly or beautiful.” 

Being an artist involves being a part of a community and arts family that is often more than willing to encourage and teach others. “Artists I met along the way that were older than me would have a tendency to take me under their wing. I appreciated their interest in me. They gently encourage me. I have taught painting for 30 years because I want others to enjoy the creative process as well. It is a way for me to give back and I’m very glad to do it. I volunteered at a kids camp for cancer, nursing homes, and taught all ages in my home. I miss this since COVID came.”

“Finding time to be creative is sometimes difficult,” said Schulte. “Commission work challenges me. I like to please the buyer but I want it to be my style,” she said. “I’m painting a portrait of Mary and Jesus for someone. I’m also doing some beach people. I did angels during the Christmas season because I broke my wrist and had it casted for six weeks. That was hard! I was delighted to sell a large piece in the Gallery at Howe. People are interested in decorating their homes now.”

Schulte loves people and considers painting people her favorite subject. “Being a mother, grandmother and RN have given me many valuable experiences and deep appreciation for life itself. It is imperative for me to record everyday happenings in a sensitive manner. I want to evoke emotion. I’m deeply blessed and grateful to share my talent with others. My talent is a blessing that I recognize and develop through the years.”

You can see more of Schulte’s work at Franklin Square Gallery and the Artisan’s Gallery on Howe in Southport. Check out her website at  www.nhschulte.com. You can reach her directly at 910-540-9177 nancyschulte@me.com.