About Nicola's Art
My Story
A little bit about myself.
I work full time on our family farm in Sandhurst, Kent growing hops and vines. I have always loved art but farm work put this on the back burner for many many years: at times work just consists of eat sleep work repeat!!
However when my faithful Border Collie, Belle, died in 2019 I just had to try and immortalise her in a picture and so my art started up again!
I did ask for help to progress from graphite pencil and it was suggested that I should try pastel pencils on pastelmat. I loved it! I can go completely bonkers with colours initially and then go over and over for more and more detail.
I also like to use acrylic paint and even oils but still go back to using pastels.
Each medium I use I enjoy the different aspects of the way they work and am continuously trying new ways such as miniature paintings/drawings and have even done a 10 foot by 4 foot mural for my local Butchers.
My Art
I generally like to work from photographs, and can make one picture by using several photos so it looks like everyone is together. The clearer the photograph the more detail I can do
The End Product
I generally put a very simple mount on my pictures to keep it safe and I place it into a cellophane envelope as a temporary measure before it is framed.
The pastel portrait may shed a few particles of pigment when new. This is normal and will not damage the image. The surface will become more solid with time and shedding will stop. Please do not attempt to rub or brush away fallen particles, as you may mar the surface of the picture. It is best if they are lightly shaken off. The cellophane envelope is fine for short term storage but to protect and preserve the picture while it is on display it does need to be framed and mounted behind glass.
The pastel drawing is a work of fine art. I use the best archival materials for its creation. If properly cared for the picture can last many lifetimes. Pastel is one of the most permanent art mediums in existence. Many pastels painted over 200 years ago are still as bright and fresh as the day they were created.
Nicola Nicholas Gallery
