Nicky Belton

he world and for the opportunity to store up ideas for my next set of paintings! I often feel that rather than me choosing a subject, it chooses me through my own emotional response to something. I may be laughing at a funny face, feeling becalmed by a beautiful sky, or experiencing excitement looking in a shoe shop window...! All these things make me feel the urge to pick up a paintbrush and go for it! I have learnt to make sure I am never without my sketch book in one hand and my camera in the other, as I need to record these ideas on paper to remind me of exactly how I felt at the time. My grandad was always drawing pictures to amuse me, and I have an uncle who is an artist; these two individuals probably represent the strongest personal influences on my work. I do admire a great many famous artists of course, but am unable to cite any one in particular as being a major figure in my artistic development. The Creative Process... I am an avid photographer and never go anywhere without my camera. I take masses of photographs of anything that catches my eye, and file these images away for future use and inspiration. I also make sketches as they are often the thing that gives me the “angle” from which I want to approach a subject. I love to work with inks and handmade paper, as these media offer me endless possibilities; there are so many fantastic textures of paper available nowadays, and the inks react differently with each of them. I have spent years examining the way the inks bleed and how the colours react and combine on the papers. I love the idea that the tools of my trade make such a strong contribution to the finished composition; if I had used an alternative paper the image might have looked quite different, which means I really do have to get to grips with the properties of my chosen materials. Recently I have also begun to use acrylics on canvas as I love the quality of the colours, and again, the texture of paint on canvas. Background... Nicky’s background is in fashion and textile design. Having graduated from Winchester School of Art in 1991, she moved into a highly specialised career as a milliner. Here her exceptional skills helped her to build a loyal and substantial client base amongst both private buyers and major agencies. In 1997, Nicky decided to focus her creative talents in two entirely new areas – fine art painting and interiors. With a wide network of contacts made over the previous six years she found a ready audience, and with their encouragement she finally gained the confidence to concentrate full time on her drawing and painting. Nicky’s passion for pattern, texture, form and colour are apparent in all aspects of her work. Highly textured handmade papers and vibrant coloured inks form an effective medium for her enchanting subjects; the inks bleed into the paper in a manner reminiscent of fabric painting; a trademark of Nicky’s work that owes a lot to her background! Cats, dogs, handbags, shoes, furniture... just about anything that is found around the house has been turned into something memorable by her witty and observant hand. A genuine outdoor girl, Nicky’s mountain biking, snowboarding and hiking have brought her into close contact with some magnificent scenery which has inspired her latest venture: a stunning set of seascapes on wood and canvas. Bold and imaginative, she adds a range of iridescent paints to the acrylics, altering the effect of each piece; as the light changes the image seems to fade along with the day. “I am thrilled to be able to put a smile on someone else’s face through my art!”