Nancy Hartley grew up in the artistic and creative environment of the East Bay hills, where she was immersed in the vibrant culture of museums and art galleries throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. As a fourth-generation native, she was fortunate to have close-knit family support, with grandparents and extended family who nurtured her passion for art from an early age.

Her formal art education began at the Richmond Art Center and continued in high school, where she attended Saturday and summer life drawing and painting classes at The California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. Nancy went on to earn a B.A. in Painting from San Jose State University, where her commitment to art deepened. She was later accepted into the M.F.A. program at San Jose State, further refining her artistic vision.

After spending several years in the corporate sales world, Nancy is now delighted to return to her first love: painting. Her work focuses on creating an uplifting experience, using vibrant color, shape, and design to spark joy and warmth in the viewer. With the intention of bringing smiles and positive energy, Nancy’s paintings are a reflection of her passion for life and her desire to share that with others.