Painting is Gladys' method of escape to another world where nature continually amazes and challenges her with the lessons it teaches, whether a drop of dew on a flower petal, the colours of a gorgeous sunset, or the peace and quiet of a morning sunrise. She loves trying to capture these moments to canvas with the use of colour, light and texture. Enjoying vivid, clear colours, acrylic is her favourite medium along with using texture and mixed media techniques to capture beautiful views of nature and create abstract art.

Gladys grew up in the beautiful Saint John River Valley, in New Brunswick. She retired from teaching Home Economics to teaching craft classes when she started a family and opened a business, Village Fabrics and Crafts, in Florenceville. In 1987, Gladys was first introduced to painting. She knew she had found her niche. Soon she was travelling to take classes to learn the fundamentals of art and design, new techniques, and how to work it all into her business. She had discovered her passion for painting, creating, and teaching art.

Gladys went on to publish painting books and has been invited to teach across Canada and internationally. In 2000, she sold her shop, and moved the design side of the business to her home studio while continuing to teach, travel and learn. Five years ago she moved to Fredericton where she joined the Fredericton Society of Artists (FSA), volunteering to help organize painting classes while getting to know her fellow artists. Gladys has continued painting and teaching in her home studio while displaying her art in shows, markets, and galleries.

When Gladys took her first class, she never dreamed it would become her future - not only painting, but the new connections, learning opportunities, and friendships carved along the way. For Gladys, painting is a way of life.

Contact:

Gladys Neilsen

Fredericton, NB, Canada

Telephone: 506-392-6280

E-mail: vldesign@rogers.com

Facebook: Gladys Neilsen / Village Designs