Painting did not come easy for Nancy Reed- Jones. It was only after losing a child did her first painting emerge. She took her newly found ability and used it to paint murals for cancer patients in a hospital on Long Island where she was living. The murals were used for guided imagery, a technique where the patient becomes so engrossed in the scene, it alleviates their pain. Nancy focused all her talent on helping the patients for over 15 years. During that time she was trained as an oil painter at the Huntington Art League on Long Island and took drawing courses at Suffolk College.  In 2004 she moved to the beautiful Hudson Valley and joined the Wallkill River School of Art. "I finally feel like a true artist being surrounded by some of the regions most talented people from whom I am forever learning. Nancy now teaches fine Art at the school as well as plein air,  (painting outdoors from nature). In 2010 Nancy was voted #1 acrylic artist in the region. In 2013 she was given the "Champion of the Arts" award from the Orange County Arts Council". She has won many first, second place and Best In Show medals for her paintings. Her style mimics that of the impressionists where light is her main focus."I hope to be able to continue painting and teaching for many years to come!"