Magazine Feature: Instinctual Painting and Material Mastery
From The Arts & Culture section of Bend Magazine
If you’ve ever wondered how an artist can create captivating, abstract paintings that pulse with rhythm and emotion—without a fixed plan—Whitney Nye’s recent feature in Bend Magazine offers a fascinating glimpse into the creative mind behind such work.
Lodestar | oil on canvas | 52.75 × 74 inches
Known for her mixed-media artistry and instinctual painting style, Whitney Nye embodies a unique blend of craftsmanship and spontaneity. Rather than starting with a detailed concept, she follows her creative impulse, letting the painting evolve naturally. This instinct-driven process has resulted in a compelling body of abstract paintings rich in texture, color, and layered meaning.
Raised in a family that valued resourcefulness and creativity—her mother and grandmother were avid DIY makers—Nye developed a deep connection to textiles early on. Her foundation in textile weaving and fabric design during her time at the University of Oregon shaped her tactile approach to art. But it was her immersive experience at the Penland School of Craft and Art, where she explored metalworking, woodworking, and kiln-building, that broadened her artistic toolkit and encouraged experimentation across materials.
Artist Whitney Nye | Photo Sherri Diteman Kaven
Today, Whitney’s work is celebrated for its vibrant color palettes and rhythmic patterns that subtly reference the natural world. Represented by Portland’s Russo Lee Gallery, her paintings have been exhibited in galleries and museums nationwide, including collections at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art and Oregon Health & Science University.
In her Bend Magazine interview, Nye reveals how her painting process is physical and immersive—working with unstretched canvases she staples to walls or spreads on floors. She describes losing herself in the creative flow, marking and layering intuitively until the work feels authentic. “If a painting isn’t authentic, I’ll abandon it,” she says—a testament to her commitment to genuine expression.
Draw Lots | oil on canvas | 69 x 62 inches | photo aaron johanson
Now working from her studio in Bend, Oregon, Whitney Nye continues to explore the intersection of mixed-media art and abstract expressionism with an instinctual approach that captivates collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
To read the full article and learn more about this fascinating artist’s journey, check out the feature on Bend Magazine: Mixed-media creator, Whitney Nye, turned instinctual painter.
Discover Whitney Nye’s vibrant portfolio and stay updated on upcoming exhibitions by visiting whitneynye.com and following her on Instagram: @whitneynye.
