Biography

Nicola Wiltshire makes paintings on patterned fabric, using a language of bold charcoal lines, intense handmade oil colour and an abstraction of form into playful and calming shapes. Nicola graduated with a BA in Fine Art (University Of Westminster, 2009) and MFA with distinction in Art And Humanities (DJCAD, 2014).

Nicola's work is  represented by New Blood Art and Select Gallery, London.

Artist Statement

Nicola Wiltshire observes the world through her paintings; using colour, line, gesture and shape to evoke the feeling of a place, person or experience. Images of walks and domestic interiors are amongst the themes used to create a quiet, thoughtful and uplifting space. Each painting begins with patterned fabric stretched over a wooden frame. Nicola draws in charcoal and makes her own oil paint and soft pastels using centuries-old techniques. The paintings are the result of an enchantment with colour, texture, materials and pattern, as well as a colourful and poetic celebration of art’s history.


"Colour is fundamental to my practice, as is the cycle of observing and recording everyday life. My paintings are stylistically contemporary, yet deeply rooted in art history and the rich heritage of oil painting. I use techniques that refer back to centuries-old traditions, such as making my own oil paint and pastels, but paint on coloured and patterned fabric - instead of canvas - for the dynamic and tactile foundation it lays. I am fascinated by the domestic quality of textiles and how this lends itself to my paintings, which move between traditional genres of portrait, landscape and still life."


"Nicola Wiltshire’s paintings hold absorbingly bold forms, which immediately capture the viewers’ attention. Portraits formed with use of heavy linear structures resemble expressionistic styles whilst flat colour and striking use of pattern give the figures unusual and therapeutic dimensions. The rendition of each piece lends it an evocatively striking impact. The line and form are fluid and diverse, allowing the portraits to portray illusive identities and an intriguing subjectivity. The use of colour is similarly exciting; mixed hues create muddied and pastel shades, which are placed in contrast of one another, side by side. This creates a stimulating juxtaposition of a calming sensibility whilst conversely adding ambiguous tensions."

- Sarah Ryan, New Blood Art

Using Format