Your bag is empty.
Friends, Romans and Countrymen………as the saying goes!lol!
As this is my first newsletter, one that I have threatened to do for ages, but kept putting it off. I thank you for your patience.
I am, as you know, an acrylic artist who has painted drawn and sketched on and off throughout my life. Being born in colonial Zambia and raised with one foot in Scotland and one foot in the bush, camping and fishing or relaxing in a game reserve. I went to private boarding schools in South Africa. In 2014, my husband and I moved to England permanently. A pretty different life! Lol!
I got my paints out once more during lockdown. I know, a story you have heard a lot, but one that is true for me. I then started taking it seriously. Six years on I have made the transition by default to being a full time artist. Largely due to spinal issues and seriously long waiting lists on the NHS. The result of 4 back operations and countless steroid injections over the years.
Now that you know a bit about me, lets look at the highlights over the last couple of years….. I started exhibiting at my local Art Society, 3 years ago and added another Art Society, two years ago all the while entering whatever competition I could gaining recognition as listed below:
· Finalist – VAA Art100 ArtPrize 2025
My art and a blurb about me will be published in
The Visual Artists’ Association Printed Edition
Book. Due out end 2026
Shortlisted – VAA Art500 Art Prize – Awarded
VAA CEO RISE (a 4 week course) This was an eye opener, for sure!
·
VAA Artist of the Year 2025
Longlisted Artist
· VAA Visual Art Open Competition 2024
Longlisted
· Annual Women in Art Emerging Artist Prize 2024
Longlisted (Landscapes Category)
· Visual Arts Association’s Visual Art Open Competition
Longlisted
As you can see from my work, my style has evolved over the years. My Still Life have crisp, clear lines and are beautifully rendered, whilst my landscapes and urban/cityscapes have become freer.
I have also been experimenting with texture and palette knives in my landscapes and urban/cityscapes and have been dipping my toes into painting water and waves.
I have said this so many times and it remains as true today as it has always been, painting is my happy place and I am never happier than sitting in front of my easel. Each painting seems to have a life of it’s own some, come together so quickly and easily whilst some take taming and coaxing to bring them to life.
My subject matter at first glance seems disparate but look closer, every painting has a common theme of tranquillity and emits an invitation to stop, pause, and reflect on the beauty of hidden corners of the natural world and the pleasure of the everyday, whether it be a sunlit pathway, memories of my time in Africa and Europe brought to life or luscious fruits and bounteous florals.
I will end on a high note, I have my first group gallery exhibition in Woodstock this June and am ridiculously chuffed about this. I also have other selling opportunities and exhibitions planned for this year, of which news will follow soon. I feel like a butterfly uncoiling from a cocoon……..
Until next month……..
Hugs
Nicky Calver
No posts yet.