New Coffeehouse/Bakery Art

Ina Niday considers her paintings not as a natural talent but one developed from the desire, determination and patience given by God

She just completed a new series of original oil paintings including tea cup, lemon tart, cream puff, chocolate bar, and… drum roll…cupcakes!!! Working on a name for the series to be shared during the June 13 Art on the Bricks Art Walk.

She suffers from several neurological rare diseases including blepharospasms where both eyes severely spasm shut.  She regularly has to hold one eye open with her fingers in order to see and then her vision is distorted and focus is difficult.  The spasms have moved down her face and affect both my speech and smile.  In addition, they compromise her concentration, coordination and ability to drive.  Needless to say, these conditions changed her life and future plans.  Depression and anxiety, which are side effects of these conditions, plague her but when she pick up a paint brush she feels normal for a while.

“As a child, I never considered having any artistic ability but when I was in my early 20s, it was suggested I take tole painting classes to detail a refurnished antique coal bucket as a Christmas gift for my mother.  Since then, painting has been an enjoyable thread from hobby, to teaching, to a total career in my 50s painting in homes on walls, floors and furniture as well as canvas.  Now in my 70s, it is my life preserver and peace.”

“I took a few college art classes in the early 1990s.  However, most of my art training has been through master tole painting teachers in 1976-1980 and more recently fine art classes and workshops live and online, from various distinguished artists including Larry DeGraff, Kelli Folsom, Elizabeth Robbins, Shanna Kunz,  John Pototschnik and John Lasater.  Not to be overlooked: many hours of daily practice, trial and error, research and commitment to learning.