Bio

Nancie Kester is a Berkeley, California artist, calligrapher and musician. She holds both BA and MA degrees in music, teaching piano at both Diablo Valley College and her private studio.

In her early years, Nancie was inspired by her mother, Shirley Millman Kester, an accomplished painter. As an undergraduate, Nancie minored in art, studying drawing and painting with many distinguished artists, including Jacob Lawrence and Mel Ramos. Following college, she studied calligraphy and layout with Phillip Bouwsma and Georgianna Greenwood. Nancie has designed prints, posters, invitations, programs and book covers for 25+ years. In 1998, she won first prize in the MTAC Recital Program Design Contest.

Nancie created her art using Prismacolor and Pantone markers, involving a special blending technique she developed for her designs. Her art has been reproduced in limited editions, using the giclée process, on fine watercolor paper. The images have been adapted to greeting cards using Adobe Photoshop and printed on 88# Strathmore Bristol Card Stock. Several of her designs have been printed onto watches and plates.

Nancie’s garden was the source for her circular floral designs. In her renderings of poppies, calla lilies, fuchsias, roses, tulips, trumpet vine, and other flowers, she has explored a range of color variation, from subtle to vivid.

Nancie’s musical designs were inspired by her years of teaching, composing, and performing. They have often been used for recital programs and invitations, as well as being featured on programs for the OAKE National Conference, the recent 40th Anniversary Celebration for the Northern California Association of Kodaly Educators, several book covers, and brochures.