Nancy Boisvert discovered her true passion for art later in life, though creativity has always been a part of who she is. As a child, she loved drawing characters and turning them into stories, a spark that would eventually lead her back to painting years later. While she has built a rewarding career within the aerospace industry, drawn to airplanes and the spirit of travel they represent, she also finds joy in the simple moments at home with her life partner, family, and four dogs — an Italian Greyhound and three rescued Spanish Greyhounds (Galgos).
A lifelong animal lover, Nancy has always been drawn to all kinds of living creatures, often bringing them home as a child. Her caring nature, sensitivity to others, and warm sense of humour all shine through in her work. Twenty-five years ago, she inquired about an evening pottery class, which instead led her to a painting workshop, where she unexpectedly fell in love with oil paints. Since then, she has developed her own distinctive style, an engaging blend of whimsy and realism. Her paintings often explore the connections between people and animals, capturing both the tenderness and playfulness of everyday life.
While she mainly uses oils as her medium of choice, Nancy often experiments with other mediums such as cold wax, encaustics and mixed media.
-Written by Nathalie Boisvert, Nancy’s sister
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Which ’hood are you in?
I live on Île Claude, a small island that’s part of Île-Perrot, just off Montreal’s West Island. I’m surrounded by trees and water, creating a haven for all kinds of wildlife. It’s a peaceful and inspiring setting, perfect for fueling my creativity.
I’m also within walking distance of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, a quaint and charming town that borders the water. It’s the kind of place where you can stroll along the boardwalk, watch the boats go by during the summer months, or stop for coffee at one of the cafés or restaurants that line the canal. It has a small-town feel, with friendly faces and a mix of students, locals, and weekend visitors, a wonderful spot to unwind and find inspiration.
What do you do?
By day, I’m a Regional Sales Manager in the aerospace industry, a field that keeps me grounded in structure and precision.
Painting, on the other hand, is where I can breathe and recharge. I’m a self-taught artist drawn to animals and living creatures, subjects that often carry both strength and vulnerability. My work blends realism with touches of whimsy, aiming to create quiet, emotional stories on canvas.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a commission piece, along with a new series that explores the connection between humans and animals, a theme that’s always inspired me.
I’m also preparing for an artist residency this January at the beautiful Château d’Orquevaux in France, where I plan to explore new ideas and see where they take me creatively.
Where can we find your work?
My paintings have been shown with the Women’s Art Society of Montreal and in fundraisers such as the Miriam Foundation Autism Auction. Several of my pieces are held in private collections across Canada and the United States. You can also see more of my work on my website and on Instagram.
