Ning Mercer
Telephone: 415-388-5119
Email: ningmercer@earthlink.net

Ning Mercer loves painting people. She loves the complexity and character that human figures present. Her use of color is bold and strong. "It reflects how I see and how I feel."

Born and raised in China, Ning started to create art when she was in primary school. Though Ning desired to become an artist when she graduated from high school, the chaotic political situation in China pushed her into a totally different career. Ning was a surgical nurse for several years after finishing her Nursing School as one of the top three graduates. She also worked in the business world as a marketing/communication specialist, in charge of publications and publicity events for a major U.S. corporation. But, the comfortable white collar life did not satisfy Ning's inner drive. She decided to go back to school to fulfill her dream of becoming part of the creative world. She spent two years studying Fashion Merchandising, during which she won an Award for Artistic Excellence, and graduated as Valedictorian. She continued her education in Apparel Production Management at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, and was the top graduate from her department. She then created her own company, designing wearable fashion and home furnishing items for many years. "One day, I got a holiday greeting photo from my parents," Ning recalls, "and there they were sitting on the sofa, with one of my high school paintings hanging behind them." That was the turning point. "I came back to my true passion in a big circle", Ning says. Ever since then, Ning has been racing to get back the time she had lost. She studied with different teachers over the past years. Her learning experience includes workshops by Professor Kohno from the St. Petersburg Academy of Art, as well as highly regarded artists around the nation. Her painting trips in Mexico and in the countryside of China have taught her more than just painting, and have awakened her deep appreciation of a life that is true and beautiful. Though she has tried her hand at charcoal, watercolor, pastel, acrylic, and sculpture, Ning is now working primarily with oil. She recently had the honor to win "Best of Show" in Artisian's Art Gallery, and a Merit Award at the Marin County Fair Paint Out. "I truly enjoy my journey", Ning likes to say, "It is such a wonderful feeling that I am able to learn and create everyday."