Nancy Gray Ogle grew up in Scarborough, Ontario. An enthusiasm for art occurred early in Nancy’s life, and at a very young age she decided that she was going to be an artist when she grew up. Her drawing skills were notable and with encouragement and support from teachers and family, Nancy was successfully guided toward a career in art.

Nancy studied graphic and fine arts throughout high school and at Sheridan College, but it was with her talent in fine arts that Nancy excelled. Exercising her drawing and painting became a passion that led the young art student on a path to create her own career as an artist. 

Animals both domestic and wild are the subjects of choice for Nancy. To develop a growing interest in wildlife art, Nancy attended workshops with other wildlife artists in Algonquin Park and Alaska. It was at this time that she was awarded a scholarship for achieving a level of excellence. She has enjoyed numerous one-woman shows of her work and has exhibited in the company of Canada’s finest wildlife artists throughout Ontario, making her a well-known member within the community of wildlife art. 

For six years Nancy was able to indulge in developing her skills as an artist while teaching at a privately run art school. Nancy has since enjoyed combining her love of teaching with her art and as a result has become a well-recognized teacher of the arts within her community. Since 1992, Nancy has also taught private and group workshops in a variety of art disciplines and mediums. 

Bringing her wildlife art to books was an offer she was delighted to accept. In 1988, Nancy created illustrations for a book written by R.D. Lawrence, The Natural History of Canada, published by Key Porter Books of Toronto. She has since created illustrations for eight publications within the Kids Can Press Wildlife series for children which include Wild Cats, Eagles, Salmon, Otters, Bats, Owls, Snakes and Skunks. 

The combination of Nancy’s interest in wildlife with the opportunity to illustrate this series and future books has created an effective partnership. A realization Nancy is quite happy with as she proudly observes this natural evolution of her art.