I have traveled and fallen in love with much of the world, but nothing compares to how grounding and mesmerizing I find the Rocky Mountains. When I explore these elevations, I am captivated by the vibrancy of the land and the physical challenge of exploring the often-steep terrain.
Bio
Nicole (she/her) is a Calgary based abstract landscape painter who expresses personal moments through compositions of vivid colours on unique surfaces. Nicole has a diverse background composed of an Acadia University Bachelors in Business Administration, a NSCAD Post-Baccalaureate Degree in Fine Arts (Painting Major), a Yoga Teacher Certification, was a Varsity Volleyball Athlete, and is now a mother of two. This diversity in education and lifestyle has cultivated her unique artistic process. Nicole’s landscape paintings incorporate an athletic element by hiking her chosen subjects and allowing herself to become absorbed by the energy of her natural environment. The abstract qualities of Nicole’s paintings are inspired by meditation learned from her yoga practice. Finally, Nicole draws from her formal art education at NSCAD to paint her creations. Now as a mother, Nicole includes her daughters (4 and 6 years old) in her outdoor adventures, adding new inspiration as well as patience to her process.
Since returning to Alberta after graduating NSCAD University in 2018, Nicole was accepted into the RBC Emerging Visual Artists Program (RBCEVAP) in Calgary 2019-2021. In 2020, Nicole received a municipal grant to paint for the City of Calgary’s Community-Initiated Public Art Microprojects, completing her first outdoor mural. Nicole’s mural had an important component to inspire creativity from local residents, which resulted in the participation of over 150 people. Continuing with this community concept, Nicole complete a second larger outdoor mural also funded by the City of Calgary in 2025 at the Killarney Glengarry Community Association. Nicole is now pursuing opportunities to further her involvement in the Canadian art community, especially mural work.
Artist Statement
I enjoy sharing outdoor moments by communicating in colour, abstracted shapes and expressive mark-making. I first physically explore on location, then I meditate to dive deeper into how that location makes me feel, then I sketch. My compositions and colour pallets are formed while meditating during the planning process as well as during my time painting. The combination of my love for the outdoors, yoga, and art has made me the artist I am today.
I have traveled and fallen in love with much of the world, but nothing compares to how grounded and mesmerized I feel in the Rocky Mountains. When I explore these elevations, I am captivated by the vibrancy and history of the land as well as the physical challenge of exploring the terrain. Acrylic mediums are the language I use to convey these experiences.
