Meet First-Time Dan's Cover Artist Nancy Kapp

For her debut Dan’s Papers cover on our October 1, 2021 issue, Nancy Kapp has captured a moment of fall bliss on the North Fork — first with her camera, and then with her watercolors. She discusses the piece, her love of photography and more.

What is the name of this delightful piece, and what inspired its creation?

The name of the painting is “Harbes Farm Truck.” I took a pre-dawn drive east on Sound Avenue with my Nikon D90. I love the isolation and serenity mornings bring.

How was this piece created? Walk us through your process.

I took a photograph of this dewy vintage Ford truck at Harbes Farm in Mattituck. There was fog, flowers and autumn harvest around it during sunrise. I knew I wanted to paint it. Keeping the reflections, fog and dew was a challenge I was ready to take. Looking at my photograph, I painted it with many layers of watercolor.

What makes this artwork such an ideal fit for a fall Dan’s Papers cover?

I love Dan’s Papers cover art. Most covers make you say, “Yes, that’s what I love about Long Island!”

Where on Long Island are you based and how does the area influence and inspire your work?

I live in Sound Beach, Long Island with my husband. My daughter, son in-law and two grandchildren live close by. I love Vermont’s towns and mountains. I ski and fish Montauk and the North Shore with my husband. The scenery is the best part of both sports, and it shows up in my art.

What do you find most personally rewarding about your artistic life and career?

I love photography, but I find recreating a photograph in watercolor adds a little connection to the subject.

What new inspirations, settings or themes do you hope to explore in your art this fall?

I am currently painting a young boy caring for a service dog that belonged to a friend. I want to gift it to his family. Art is my way to show my deep thoughts.

Where can your art be seen in the coming weeks?

I have been in many juried art shows with North Shore Art Guild and the Long Island Art Museum. I was in Christopher Gallery, Stony Brook and Greenport Gallery. I currently have art and photography at Liquid Art in Killington, Vermont.

Would you like to share any closing thoughts?

I hope you enjoy the cover.