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Young artist showcased at Stuart gallery
“Shipwreck,” an acrylic painting by Samantha Nagel.
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Samantha Nagel's paintings were so good, Waterways Gallery offered her an exhibition. Her very first.
Nagel, 21, has been interning in the studio of Stuart artist Kim Rody, a member of the Waterways co-op, and Rody insisted the young painter get her debut showcase.
"Sam's been one of the best art assistants I've come across," Rody said. "She has a high degree of focus and direction in her work and loads of natural talent."
Nagel graduated from South Fork High School in 2004 and attended Indian River Community College before transferring to Ringling College of Art and Design in Naples, where she is currently a junior.
Nagel's portfolio is eclectic. It's comprised of a variety of styles including Native American art, whimsical art, and even some fantasy-driven paintings, all done in an array of mediums including acrylics, watercolors and oil paints.
"Right now there isn't a category you could put me in, I'm still experimenting," said Nagel. "But if you come, you'll see something different and new."
Nagel is pursuing a B.F.A in illustration at Ringling, which is why she continues to practice many different forms of art.
"In order to be an illustrator, you need to sort of be a jack of all trades," said Nagel. "You need to be able to change your style to fit the project."
Rody can't say enough about her pupil. "I'm glad she chose to attend Ringling, one of the toughest and most competitive art schools in the country. Her work is very detailed and thought out, and she has a great eye for color. I see a great future for her."
Nagel's ultimate goal is to live in Stuart and make a living as an artist. At her young age, she is starting to find a middle ground between creative happiness and commercial success.
"I'm learning now as an artist to find the balance between what I like to do and what sells," she said.
What: Artist of the Month exhibition opening
Where: Waterways Gallery, 2881 E. Ocean Blvd., Stuart
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, noon-9:30 p.m., through Aug. 31
Contact: (772) 781-9100
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