THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, March 8, 1995 TAG: 9503070039
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: BATTERY PARK LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
NOBODY REMEMBERS THE late Smithfield artist Robert Clontz any better than Nancy Spady, a local artist who was inspired by Clontz and his work.
While she was only dabbling with pencil drawings at the time - about two years ago - Spady recalls Clontz telling her: `` `If you can draw, you can paint.' ''
So she took a class from him and learned Clontz's techniques.
``His wife even says my paintings look like his work,'' she says. ``Since he's been gone, it's like I can't paint without him. But I need to get going on it again.
``He helped me express myself in a way I never thought I could.''
Clontz died just over a year ago.
Spady says she plans to set up a studio in her garage, where she can resume painting what she loves best: buildings and scenic views. She works best by painting from photographs.
``I'm not a people-person painter,'' she says.
When Spady isn't painting, she makes her living working in the marketing department of a Virginia Beach stock broker.
Name: Nancy Lynn Spady
What brought you to Isle of Wight? Most of my family lives in Battery Park. It's a beautiful community.
Hometown: Pittsburgh
Birthdate: Oct. 5, 1960
Occupation: I do some marketing for my brother-in-law, who is a broker for Edward D. Jones.
Marital status: Divorced
Children: Son Devin, 5
Favorite movies: All of the old musicals and Westerns, and ``Forrest Gump''
Favorite magazine: People and Southern Living
A book you wish everyone would read, and why: ``A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of a Course of Miracles.'' It helps with inner peace.
Favorite night out on the town: Dinner and a movie
Favorite bar or restaurant: Harpoon Larry's and Fire and Ice
Favorite food and drink: Roasted oysters on the grill, any type of seafood and an ice cold Coors Light.
Few people know . . . that I am artistic.
What's the best thing about yourself? My honesty and loyalty
Worst habit: Procrastination
First thing in the morning: I deal with a 5-year-old and his needs.
Pets: Shu-Shu, the gerbal from hell.
Hobbies: Drawing, painting, fishing and riding on a jet ski
Ideal vacation: Two weeks at the beach - any beach
Pet peeve: When people don't keep their word.
First job: YMCA summer camp director for mentally retarded and handicapped kids, ages 4 to 6.
Worst job: Painting my uncle's barn - too many spiders.
Of what achievements are you most proud? ``Light of my life'' son Devin, and being a single parent.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``She loved, she lived, she laughed.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
by CNB