Nancy didn't start with essence portraits. "I was selling my pastel nudes in a gallery in San Francisco", she said, "and a woman from Seattle came in and wanted to buy one of my pieces, but not until she met me. She told me she was drawn to the piece because it looked just like her. It captured her essence and the feelings she had about herself. She purchased the piece, hugged me and kept in touch for many years. How empowering!"

As a result, Nancy realized there was more to her drawings and believed it was her responsibility to draw people – not models – and show them their beauty, their essence. "I wanted to give people an opportunity to be the star of their very own art piece, she laughs, "why not have you on your wall instead of a stranger?"

It caught on, and on and on.

Reviewers have said, "International figurative artist Nancy Ballard captures with a few gesture strokes on paper the unique spirit of her subject. Compromising rigorous, traditional representation for the sake of mood in her renderings, Ballard draws the essence of her subjects."

Nancy delights in working one on one with those she draws and finds that the experience somehow creates a magical transformation in the spirits of her subjects. They are "drawn to being drawn" for every reason imaginable, many of which are chronicled in her book Loving You: Celebrating The Body Through Art.

She has captured the essence of new born babies, pregnant women, survivors of serious illnesses, and, a favorite of hers, an 84 year old woman… all who were able to see themselves as lovely. These experiences are often remembered as healing, joyful and fun. It is her intention that all people see themselves and their world as lovely, unique and amazing.

Nancy started painting professionally in 1995 after a corporate career. She still curates shows, and created the ME Gallery in San Francisco. She has been in numerous solo and group shows in the San Francisco Bay Area and is currently represented by the Esteban Sabar Gallery in Oakland, California.

She has been a featured guest on Hay House Radio, and has been a guest speaker at conferences.

Her love of children has always kept her volunteering - at UC Hospital in San Francisco where she teaches art to young patients on dialysis machines awaiting kidney transplants; as a baby cuddler comforting infants in intensive care, and for many years, as a CASA - Court Appointed Special Advocate.

Nancy is married and the mother of three fabulous adults and the Nana to the best and most adorable grandchildren anywhere - but mostly in St. Louis - Gabrielle and Mario III.

A native San Franciscan, Nancy is self taught. She loves the best to draw plants and people. She has collectors throughout the United States and Mexico.