Nita Engle facts for kids

Nita Engle (born September 30, 1925 – died August 29, 2019) was a talented American artist known for her amazing watercolor artwork. She started her career as an art director and illustrator for magazines. Nita Engle's paintings were shown in art shows both in the United States and other countries. She won many awards, including a special honorary degree from Northern Michigan University. A film called Wilderness Palette - Nita Engle in Michigan was made about her, and she also wrote a book about her painting methods.

About Nita Engle's Life

Nita Joy Engle was born in Michigan in 1925. She grew up there and went to high school in Marquette, Michigan. After high school, she continued her studies at Northern Michigan University. Nita then spent four years learning art at the famous School of the Art Institute of Chicago. During this time, she also studied at Roosevelt University.

Starting Her Art Career

Nita Engle began her career working at an advertising agency in Chicago. She was an "art director," which meant she helped decide how advertisements would look. Later, she worked full-time for magazines in New York and Chicago.

In the 1940s, the art world was mostly led by men. To make sure her work was judged fairly, Nita often signed her paintings "N. Engle." This way, people wouldn't know if the artist was a man or a woman.

Showing Her Art to the World

Nita Engle became a member of the American Watercolor Society in 1969. Her beautiful paintings were shown in many art exhibitions. One important show in New York City in 1976 celebrated 200 years of American illustration. Her work was displayed alongside famous artists like Norman Rockwell and Winslow Homer.

She also took part in shows like "Great Women Artists of America" and "International Waters." In "International Waters," she was one of only 20 American artists chosen to show her work. Nita's art was even selected to be shown in Taipei.

Her Unique Painting Style

In 1981, a company called Mill Pond Press started making prints of Nita's artwork. Nita Engle moved back to Marquette, Michigan, and set up her art studio. From her studio, she had a wonderful view of Lake Superior.

Nita traveled around the world, giving workshops in places like Asia, Africa, and Tahiti. These trips inspired many of her paintings of nature and wilderness. She had a very special way of painting. Instead of just using a brush, she would "throw, squirt, pour, and spray" paint onto the paper to create amazing effects.

Documentary and Legacy

In 1985, a PBS documentary film was made about her work. It was called Wilderness Palette - Nita Engle in Michigan. Nita once said, "There is so little wilderness left; we are surrounded by pavement. My goal is to take you into the landscape through my painting." She wanted her art to transport people to wild, natural places.

One of her paintings, Grouse Country, is now owned by the United States Department of State. It is part of the Art in Embassies Program. In 2010, a special show of her artwork was held at the DeVos Art Museum in Marquette.

Awards and Special Recognitions

Nita Engle received many honors for her contributions to art:

• She was named "Artist of the Year" by American Artist magazine in 1984.
• In 1986, she received an Honorary Doctorate from Northern Michigan University. This is a special degree given to people who have achieved great things, even if they didn't study for that specific degree.
• American Artist magazine named her an "Art Master" in 1996.
• She was inducted into U.S. ART's Hall of Fame in 1997.
• She won the E. Scott Michigan Artist Prize for her lifelong excellence and achievements in art.