Nancy’s talent flourished when she began working as a professional animator. Her creative efforts on many award- winning films revealed her driving passion for art. “Everything I learned as an animator can be seen in my paintings today. I view things in a whole new dimension and I am always searching for new ways to express these subtleties through my art.” Nancy explains. While animation was an invaluable experience, the strong desire to become a virtuoso painter prevailed.

After graduating from two of the finest art academies in America and years of formal studies in painting, Nancy met artist and author Richard Schmid at the Palette and Chisel Academy in Chicago. As her mentor, Richard helped her to develop her innate talents and thereby enter into the Grand Manner style of painting, (Richard described it as a certain mingling of virtuosity and unrestrained joy in Art). “Painting in this Grand Manner takes an incredible amount of concentration and almost more energy than I imagined I had,” Nancy says thoughtfully. After years of profound study of Fine Art and their ensuing courtship, Nancy and Richard married in April of 1998.

Nancy Guzik’s art conveys her love of spreading joy especially when she paints children from life. Asked why she loves to capture who they are in the moment, Nancy answers with a smile, “There’s something that children are born with that we as adults can be taught, if we listen closely. As my painting begins to unfold, the child and I are drawn into a magical process of creativity. Connecting on this higher creative level, takes me and my young model on a journey into the realm of imagination–and as one, into the unknown we go.”

In 2010 Nancy was among a handful of acclaimed artists selected by the Cecilia Beau Forum’s prestigious exhibition, Inspiring Figures at the Butler Institute of American Art Museum. Her oil painting, “Warm Tea” was exhibited alongside artwork by Mary Cassatt and Cecilia Beau. Other awards include: The Honor Award from the Portrait Society of America, The Award of Excellence from the Women Artists of the West, and The Grand Prize from International Artist, among others. She was also invited to teach at American Artist’s Weekend with the Masters held in Dana Point, California. As one of the directors of the Putney Painters of Vermont, she continues to help transform the careers of many aspiring painters.

Unfortunately, her husband, Richard Schmid passed away with Nancy by his side on April 18, 2021. Nancy resides in New England with her two cats, Max II & LuLu.

In addition Nancy's paintings grace the collections of art lovers worldwide.