Nilly Livesay is an artist and teacher of abstract painting in Corvallis, Oregon. Working in lustrous oils and silky fluid acrylics, she meanders across different abstract style modalities, seeking dynamic energy, expansiveness, and spiritual presence in all of her work. Her abstractions are often inspired by aquatic, cosmic, topographic, and microscopic environments, as well as works of artists she is studying (currently, Maxfield Parrish, Rococo-era works, and Jade Fadojutimi). In her pieces, she creates portals into imagined realms both familiar and magical.

Nilly paints alongside her creative partner, artist Geoff Powell; her two young children; and a languid studio cat named Sylvia. A former public school art teacher, she frequently teaches painting classes at Linn-Benton Community College. She also dabbles in occasional representational work as a break from her typical routine, painting (among other things) absurd pet portraits and cartoons. Her doodles been featured by the Corvallis Fall Festival and others.

Nilly’s paintings have been exhibited at a solo show at OSU’s The Little Gallery (2025), Brassworks Gallery (2025-26), Splendorporium PDX, The WOW Hall, The Corridor Gallery, the Portland Airport, and other Oregon venues. In 2026, she joined the Willamette Abstract Group (WAG).

To see her latest, follow along on Instagram: @livesaymakes

Nilly Livesay