Nicky's Art
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
Edgar Degas
I love to paint pets and botanical scenes, such as gardens.
In painting a pet portrait, I seek to find and show the character of the animal. I find it hugely satisfying recreating the detail in their coat, or the shine in their eyes or nose.
When I paint landscapes I consider my style semi-abstract and impressionistic. In all my work you'll see that colour plays a huge role.
I use mainly acrylic paints, but I also enjoy the looseness of watercolours and inks.
In 2021 I was a Wildcard on the Sky Landscape Artist of the Year programme. It was a real privilege and a fantastic experience to see behind the scenes!
The Art Studio
Reviews
CHILDREN'S CLASSES
Both my boys attend this art group. They absolutely love it. Nicky is an inspiration. A wonderful art teacher, amazing art ideas, kids have great fun whilst practising art skills which result in stunning masterpieces. Vanessa
Rosie has really benefited in so many ways from coming to your club. She is happier and more confident since starting. It has even given her an extra connection with her art-loving Granny. Thank you so much for giving Rosie your time and inspiration. Kat
My daughter loves the art studio. She’s learnt a lot of new skills through Nicky and her art is developing beautifully. The classes are relaxed and fun. We both enjoy the updates on what is happening in the next block. And I like seeing the photos of the children in action, great to see what they get up to. Would thoroughly recommend these classes to any new budding artists out there. Sophie
My daughter looks forward to Saturday mornings when she can zone out and create her own masterpieces in the style of Matisse or Miro, learning new techniques from Nicky who is very talented in her own right. The classes are structured but relaxed and Nicky is so lovely and welcoming. Auriole
ADULTS' CLASSES
A highlight of my week, Nicky’s class is fun, relaxing and fulfilling. As a total novice, I’ve already learnt so much about different materials and styles without being made to feel at all intimidated. Nicky creates a warm and friendly atmosphere, lubricated with coffee and cake - what could be nicer? Sue
I am greatly enjoying Nicky’s classes and look forward to Fridays. Nicky is an excellent teacher and even when some subjects are more challenging than others Nicky sorts out the problem. A lovely warm atmosphere and friendly companions. A real find. Lesley
Nicky’s teaching is inspiring. Her adult art sessions are fun and enjoyable, and offer lots of opportunities to learn about and apply new techniques. The group size is kept small enough for plenty of individual attention and guidance. Julie Courtenay
Great fun, very friendly and chilled. No skills in art required, but you will leave feeling happy and relaxed and maybe have a pretty picture as a bonus. Everyone needs a bit of art time in their week. Sarah
Thoroughly enjoyable. I can’t recommend it enough. Making time for yourself, doing something you will love and with Nicky’s guidance, learning new skills whatever artistic ability you have. Give it a go! You won’t regret it. Debbie
Love it. 2 hours of brain detox with a great group of people. Having no prior drawing experience, with Nicky’s teaching and guidance I have produced work I am proud of. Can’t recommend it enough. Jo
Food for the soul! I agree 100% with all the comments above. I love art but wouldn't consider myself an artist. The best thing is I am starting to think I might actually put my art up.... framed! Even though the lovely people who also attend have a mixture of abilities and styles, everyone is so supportive - you come away feeling good about art whatever happens. I even pinch other people's ideas sometimes - isn't that what all the great artists do?!! 😁 Lou
I can thoroughly recommend trying this out. Nicky’s art classes are what I look forward to most all week. It’s great to spend two hours in a relaxing atmosphere losing yourself while you get into your creative flow. Nicky knows how to create the perfect atmosphere and is a brilliant teacher too. I don’t have any particular skill as an artist but I’ve been going for a few weeks now and I love it and the other people in the class are all great fun and very friendly. Give it a go! 👍 Sam
ZOOM CLASSES
Having enjoyed your classes so much pre-virus, I was doubtful that art via Zoom could really be as effective but I have been pleasantly surprised. Once all the materials have been acquired, it’s been really brilliant and I feel I’ve actually produced better work recently.
It’s just as easy to ask your advice in lessons as you keep the classes small. For those who are less confident, it allows participants to work privately with less pressure. It’s also useful to be able to carry on with a piece of work if time runs out in the lesson.
Overall, I think it’s been a great success and have really enjoyed the sessions and learnt a lot in them. I am cautious about the virus since I have some risk factors, so this is an ideal way to continue being creative without any risk.
Thank you for being so innovative and considerate to everyone’s needs.
Sue
Nicky’s zoom classes are amazing. Even though we are not together, it still works really well as a class. She is fab at explaining everything, and the demonstrations are clear over the camera. I have my screen set up so I can still see the group, and the interaction works well! Highlight of my week.
Julie
For me, the Zoom art sessions have been just as enjoyable as the ‘live’ sessions. Nicky demonstrates and explains techniques very carefully and is able to offer advice and ideas as we go along. We have got into a rhythm if chatting if we want to or just being silent. I actually like the added element of looking at what people have produced at the end of the session and showing mine. This has surprisingly made me feel more confident and independent and it’s amazing the different pieces of art that are produced!
Louise