About Nicole

Whatever I am painting, there is always a personal connection to the story or an investigation of the life behind a face, an object or a scene.

I have been told that whatever the subject, my work has soul. This comment resonates strongly for me and leads me to hope that viewer and artist can connect through my work.”

Nicole is a classically trained oil painter. Working in a representational style, her subject matter is often focussed on a series. An example of this can be seen in her highly sought after Koi paintings, the latest being The Legend of the Koi, a piece that is brimming with symbolism. She is excited to introduce her newest series, Reflections, which acknowledges the beauty of natural elements.

Also known for her portraits, Nicole was gratified to be chosen as one of three featured portrait artists in the award-winning documentary, Healing Portraits Project. This award-winning film explores the experience of three different exiles, hoping to influence their journey of healing through the painting of their portraits.

Nicole’s work has changed greatly over the years and continues to evolve with each painting. Her favourite quote about her work: “Regardless of the subject, your work has soul!”

Nicole lives in Burlington, Ontario. Before becoming an oil painter, she obtained an Honours Bachelor of Music, an ARCT, piano performer and an MEd. Her focus on the visual arts began in earnest after a very fulfilling career in music and education.

She is a graduate of the Academy of Realist Art, Toronto, where she studied with Juan Martinez among others. From this strong foundation, she then continued to hone her craft working with artists she particularly respects. Her work has garnered international awards, has been featured in several art magazines and graces the homes of collectors both in Canada and the US.

Nicole holds juried membership in a number of local and international art organizations and is a strong supporter and contributor to the local art community.

“I love to paint and am very grateful to have become a painter.

As a representational artist, now working in oil, I enjoy bringing life to a subject as it develops in two dimensions. The subject comes first, inspiring the approach, technique and treatment. Thus, I find that each new painting moves me in a different direction, however subtly, and hope that this will always be so.

Also, subject matter varies in my work. While I have lasting favourites, with portraits ranking high, I generally develop an idea through a series, guided by personal inspiration as the motivator. Some topics that continue to bring joy include my Koi Series, Florals, Cat’s Eyes, Cityscapes and occasionally, the Still Life. I am very excited to introduce my newest series entitled Reflections which acknowledges the beauty of natural elements.

Publishings

Nicole was also very pleased to be invited to be included in an article in American Art Collector. Titled “Beyond the Ordinary”, the article featured Still Life Works by seven different artists. She found the opening quote from Aristotle to hold true: “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance”. One of the paintings in this article which she titled “Knights Keeping Watch”, she had worked as a gift to her husband.

Knights Keeping Watch, Oil on Linen, 12″ x 16″

Southwest Art Magazine presented an article entitled “Women in Art” of which Nicole’s work was a part. The two paintings that Nicole chose for this article were her first in her Koi Series: “Koi Pond” and “Red Boots.” Both paintings have gone to private collectors.

Red Boots, Oil on Linen over Dibond, 16″ x 20″

Zainab, Oil on Alupanel, 20″ x 16″