Nicolle Aston

“Born in the Waitakeres I was raised with a reverence for nature. But my love of painting lay dormant until my early 40’s when I picked up a brush on a chance encounter one morning and discovered a latent talent. When the clock struck midnight and I still could not tear myself away from the canvas I knew a love affair with creativity had begun. I now create from my garden studio in Matakana.”

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Artist Biography

Nicolle enjoys portraying her subject with crisp simplicity. She does not attempt absolute realism, preferring the freedom to play with light and amplified contrast.

“I deliberately avoid the fine detail realism requires and place more emphasis on shape, form, and the bold use of colour. One of the most important elements I’m looking for is contrast. Where there is contrast - there is drama. I consider what I would like to add, alter, or enhance to bring my signature style to the subject.

I favour acrylics over oils as they suit my technique. Acrylics have less blending qualities and are more impatient than oils, and this helps me to produce a look which merges stylism with realism

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