Nature Inspires Local Artist

Growing up on a farm can help define a person and shape her perspective of life. For those who have a passion for art, the farm lifestyle can also add depth and feeling to the artwork. North Dakota native and artist Naomi Pannell, who recently moved to the Sidney area with her husband, believes that her farm background fueled her love of animals and the land, both of which are recurring themes in her artwork.

“I grew up on a farm and I developed my love of nature in the process,” Pannell says. “The farm was fundamental to my upbringing. My nuclear family and the prairie was my world, and it defined and shaped me. I learned to listen to nature and I try to communicate this in my paintings and artwork.”

Pannell, always pulled by the urge to draw, grew up with a pencil in her hand. “I’ve always had a passion for art; it is part of my environment,” she remarks. “My mother was an artist and she was always painting, so art was always a part of my life. I love the smell of charcoal, lead and paints. It gives me great pleasure; it’s like the pleasures others may get from eating candy.”

Pannell works with a variety of mediums, including pencil, charcoal, pen and ink, acrylics, and enamels, to achieve her end product. She’ll also use any available object as the recipient of her drawing and painting. “I paint on anything,” she says. “I’ve painted on walls, canvas, eggs, cars, doors, metal objects, and I’ve done a painting on a tablecloth. I’ll use found articles, such as a door I found at the dumpster, to paint on.”

Pannell paints what inspires her, but she favors landscapes, scenery, water, and animals as the main themes of her work. The more detail a picture requires, the better she enjoys the creative process. She also does portraits and she loves painting murals. “Murals impact the aesthetic value of a building,” she comments. “I did several murals when I lived in Wisconsin, for both public view and for individuals. I’d love to paint some murals in Sidney, and I’ve identified a few ideal buildings for these projects.”

She adds, “I really think murals would be a benefit to Sidney.”

Producing fine artwork requires dedication, time, and effort. The work can present a challenge, but Pannell thrives on challenges. “Art is work,” she states. “I’m always learning during the process, and there is always something I need to work out in a painting. However, the challenge is fun. It’s like Sudoku presents a challenge; it may be difficult but it is fun to do and when the puzzle is solved you have a feeling of accomplishment. Art is the same way.”

Focusing on a project helps Pannell develop self-discipline and she takes pride in the end product. “There is tactile satisfaction in the process and when I am done, I have accomplished something and created something nice,” she says. “I get enjoyment out of disciplining myself and conquering the difficulties I encounter during the creative process. I used to doubt myself but art has helped me develop self-confidence. I can do this and I can produce a work of art.”

Pannell also creates jewelry, she produces sculptures, and she does face painting.She considers her sculpture a secondary art form. “I do the sculpting just for fun,” she says. “I use a bake in the oven product to make little animals, people, miniature things for my little miniature dioramas that I build. I made a whole little world beginning with my navy brother-in-law’s flight deck boot.”

Pannell says of her face painting, “I also do face painting for kids’ parties, outdoor events, and other occasions. I plan on being at the upcoming art fair as that is a lot of fun. The kids know the spirit of art just like they know the spirit of God, way easier than adults do. They really are joyous and precious.”