Catonsville Artist Spotlight: Nina Lagervall

Every month, Patch features local artists who live in Catonsville and whose work may be on display. Catonsville resident Nina Lagervall runs the gallery at Catonsville Presbyterian Church. Her artwork will also be on display at New Threads Boutique.

Name:  Nina Lagervall

Age: 49

Hometown: Doylestown, PA

How she ended up in Catonsville: We moved here nine years ago. My husband and I were living and working in the DC area. He got transferred to Baltimore and my graphic design job ended at about the same time. Our realtor recommended Catonsville, plus we have two friends who live here.

Formal education: I have a BFA in Sculpture and an MA in Art History from Virginia Commonwealth University as well as post-graduate studies in Graphic Design from George Washington University.

Medium she currently uses to create art: I mainly work in watercolor and oil, but enjoy experimenting in lots of mediums.

What influenced her to become an artist: As a child I liked to draw and found that I got a lot of attention for my pictures. When I was 12 years old I began taking lessons from a local watercolor artist.  I studied with her and two other students for three years, she even took us on painting trips to her cabin in the Poconos! I also credit my parents for encouraging me and letting me major in art at college.

Biggest influence in her artwork: The art of seeing and paying attention to the moment.

Favorite artist that influenced her: Henri Matisse for his vibrant color and playfulness, Winslow Homer’s watercolors and Auguste Rodin’s figure studies.

What she likes about being in Catonsville: It’s a great place to raise children. I like that it is a real town, that it has retained a sense of place and not become a strip mall. I am really glad to see a beginning of an artist presence here, as well as some of the great new restaurants like Atwater’s Bakery!

Where her artwork has been shown: The Anderson Gallery, Richmond, VA; The Gallery at Woods, Severna Park MD; The Granary Gallery, West Tisbury, MA

The 'day job:' Freelance graphic design, teaching art classes, painting and raising two children

The next thing you're working on: An oil painting based on Icarus.

Nina's artwork will be on display at New Threads Boutique, located at 6418 Frederick Road, starting on March 19. An opening reception will be held on March 19. Her work can be found on www.nbldesign.com. For more information on arts in the Catonsville, visit catonsvillearts.org.