Artwork by Christie Nicklay

Taking a Good Look at Myself

My name is Christie Nicklay and I was born 50 years ago in Southeast Minnesota. I am a contemporary realism and sometimes painterly artist who works primarily in acrylics and oils, but also enjoy watercolor, pencil, pastels, colored pencil and pen and ink.

My artistic journey began as a child when I would draw anything and everything on anything and everything I could find. I drew constantly. There was a time when you could even find my artwork on the walls of my father’s dairy barn. Early on, teachers recognized and encouraged my artistic abilities. Eventually, I became the primary artist for my high school newspaper, clubs and organizations. As I grew, I had dreams of being a doctor, but my father encouraged me to attend school for my art, which I did and acquired my Commercial Art and Fine Art degrees.

After over 30 years in the graphic arts and marketing field, I realized I had merely put my real creative dreams on hold. Working in marketing was my profession, but my childhood love for painting and drawing continued to whisper in my ear. Letting go of the belief that ‘one is only an artist if she paints every day’ made a huge difference in how I felt about making art…and how often. For me, my creative process is an ebb and flow cycle, and during ebb times I may not feel like painting at all.

This freed me up from my own inner critic and allowed me to develop my creativity in all ways. When I’m not painting, I’m playing violin, taking pictures, reading, gardening, or working on other “creative” projects. Going with my “ebb and flow” allows me to be creative in some way, every day.

Now, with an art studio at home, I dedicate time to painting and drawing a variety of subjects. My diverse subject matter is inspired largely by the life around me, capturing the essence of my subjects and conveying an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

The Drawing Academy course is a great resource that is structured in away that allows aspiring artists to learn and grow no matter where they reside.

I want to improve my drawing skills in all aspects, but particularly in drawing the human figure, faces and capturing a subject’s likeness.

I’m passionate about my art and have been searching for the right online platform that will help me attain the skills I need to excel in my creative ventures.