Painted tonight instead of sketching and actually pretty pleased. This went from being “the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen and made in my entire life” to “oh, oh, this turned out pretty good!” 😂 I love art. #art #painting #oils

This is the loosest I’ve ever sketched. I usually have a very antagonistic relationship with my sketchbook so I was surprised when I wanted to get it out tonight instead of painting. Apparently I just had some shit to work out 🤷🏾‍♀️ #sketchbook #abstract #portrait #art #blueskyart

Tonight’s silly sketchbook mood. #art

SNAP isn't about "people who don't work." It's about people who don't get paid enough to live. Of the 40 or so million people who rely on food stamps: * Two-thirds are children, seniors, or disabled * Most working-age adults who receive SNAP are employed—but in jobs that pay poverty wages

Committed to doing a solo show next year at a local studio. June-July…now to get consistent with my painting practice. I already have some pieces lined up. 👏🏾

It’s been awhile, I know. But this fall I’ve committed to doing some more creative endeavors (writing, painting, pottery…). I’ll be excited to share as the season goes by #creative #fallvibes

It’s been a minute since I’ve posted anything. This summer has been filled with pottery classes, reading, and fitness adventures. Nothing like summer to branch out do something new. Here’s a picture of one of my pottery creations after bisque firing. Glazing is up next! #pottery #blueskyart

If you haven’t seen a bumblebee butt today…☺️

To anyone who is operating their own website…make sure you are looking at renewal dates and fees. Wix just moved my renewal date ahead 5 days without notifying me, charged me (I was going to cancel), and now I’m trying to get a refund. These folks are real sneaky out here.

My new landing page is finally launched! Check it out www.nicolesimmonsart.com #blueskyart #painting #abstract #art #acrylic #mixedmedia #nature

Also here’s an adorable picture of my orange ham, Tibbers. Happy #caturday! #cats #catsofbluesky #feline #animals

Started a Substack last night and decided to republish some posts from my (soon-to-be) old blog...including this one: nicolesimmonsart.substack.com/p/13-ways-to... #artists #blueskyartshow #painting #art #abstracts #artwork

Working on transitioning my website to a new platform and yowza. What a project this is becoming. But I think it'll be worth it.

I know at some point I’m going to need/want to go back to more structured practice and representational work, but for now I just like the freedom of playing with color, brushstrokes, and value without having to worry about creating a specific subject. #abstractart #painting #artist #blueskyart

Here are some “sketch” abstracts I did today. I kinda think they turned out cool. Especially the second one. #art #painting #creative #arte #happy #sketchbook #life #gallery #paint #contemporaryart #blueskyart

I also realized that I’ve been less than inspired to paint because my studio was a mess, so I took the plunge and cleaned it. I still need to downsize a bit, but at least I have floor space now 🥴 #art #artstudio

Sorry I haven’t posted in awhile. I haven’t been painting really. I’ve been more focused on creative writing. But I went to the Artsfest this weekend and it was such an inspiration. It made me realize my taste in art has really changed. I really tire of the blendy-smoothy pieces.

Interviewer: So, on a scale of 1-10 how “rebellious” would you rate yourself? Me, interviewing for the rebellion: *leans in* well you know those tags on pillows that say do not cut? I cut them. Interviewer: *Takes a moment to collect herself* So an 11?! Me: *nods emphatically*

Another abstract I created last week. I think I want to try abstracts in oils next 🫣 #art #artwork #arte #artsy #arts #creative #artistic #blueskyart #photooftheday #drawings #gallery #pencil #artlife #artgallery #abstract #painting

Abstract 3 (Name TBD) 16"x20" 2025 Acrylic on canvas #abstract #acrylic #art #painting #artist #blueskyart #artwork #blueskyartshow #abstractart

"Gaining Clarity" 2024 12"x12" Mixed media on canvas This piece has a lot of texture in it and was created after several meditation sessions. I wanted to see the difference a clear mind would make. #abstractart #art #blueskysartshow #artist #acrylic #mixedmedia #painting

A little something for the #blueskyartshow. I sold this painting last year, but sometimes I miss it 😅. #dragonfly #art #painting #artist #acrylic #oilpainting #insects #animals #lotusflower

Another abstract this Saturday. Ready to get into the studio this afternoon 🩷 #art #abstract #acrylicpainting #painting #artist #blueskyart #abstractpainting

Abstract 2 (Name TBD) Acrylic on canvas 16"x20" 2025 #art #acrylicpainting #abstractart #acrylic #blueskyart #artist #abstract

Abstract 1 (Name TBD) Acrylic on canvas 16"x20" 2025 #art #blueskyart #artist #painting #abstract #abstractart

One of my favorite things is playing around with digitally staging my work...it's so fun and these abstracts I completed this past weekend are really serving 😍 #art #artist #painting #acrylic #blueskyart

Did some abstract work this past weekend and I'm excited to share over the next few days...

“Welcome” 2024 Acrylic on canvas panel 9”x12” #art #painting #acrylic #blueskyart

“Woodsy” 2025 Acrylic on canvas 20”x16” #art #painting

If you’re feeling stalled or stuck in your art right now, I highly encourage you to physically move your creating spot. I’ve taken my easel outside the last 2 days instead of creating in my studio and the difference has been *chef’s kiss*.

“Quaint” 16x20 2025 Acrylic on canvas

Took my easel outside for a little bit today and this was my warm-up piece. Was just what I needed to break out of a funk I’ve been in lately…

First day of a 30 day portrait challenge I’m starting. #30daysoffaces

"Just Thinking" 16"x20" Acrylic on canvas 2025

"Desert Spire" 14"x11" 2025 Acrylic on canvas

"Home" Mixed media on canvas 2025 14"x11"

Finally getting around to taking pictures of some of my artwork I've done this year. I'll be sharing over the next few days :)... First up: Beneath the Brimstone

Finally stepped into the studio today and just had at it.

The greatest obstacle to experiencing reality & truth is thought. – Eckhart Tolle We spend so much time in our heads that we forget to be present. Art has a way of cutting through that noise. When we create or observe without overthinking, we tap into something deeper. Presence. Reality. Truth.

I woke up today feeling that now-familiar heaviness—the weight of uncertainty, the anxiety of not knowing what kind of political chaos is going to unfold today, the knowledge that nothing in my immediate life has changed yet, 1/4

I used to create just for the pride of finishing something, for that "whoa, I did that?!" feeling. But over the years, I’ve learned to love the process just as much. Time disappears when I paint. I never know how long a piece takes—I just leave the studio when I’m hungry, haha.

A moment doesn’t have to be extraordinary to be beautiful. Sometimes, the simplest ones hold the most color. “Another Plain Day" January 2025 16”x20” Acrylic on canvas #art #acrylicpainting

Alright well time to call it a night with a gratuitous #cat picture. #goodnight

Took the plunge and decided to learn Procreate and digital art…will I get 1/3rd of the way through this course and decide that I definitely know everything (I do not) and can create digital masterpieces with v little knowledge? Narrator voice: Almost certainly.

Sylvester’s cuteness knows no bounds. 😍

Started a new piece this AM, which is my fave—the messy under layers, the unexpected shapes, the way the colors start to bring out forms I didn’t plan for. I never know exactly where a painting will go at this stage. Can’t wait to continue! #art #workinprogress

(SHAKING YOU ALL) PLEASE CREATE PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD MAKE ART AND PUT IT INTO THE WORLD IF NOTHING ELSE MAKE IT FOR YOURSELF YOU HHAVE TO KEEP CREATING

The problem with starting my morning with a painting sesh is now it's all I can think about. Sounds like I'll be having a lunch time painting sesh too....

February’s Art of the Month is here! "Reflections" is all about stillness—the quiet of a winter creek, the crisp air, the beauty of just being. A reminder to pause and breathe. Take a look: www.nicolesimmonsart.com/post/februar... #ArtThatHeals #WinterSerenity #BirchSeries #Reflections

Hi! I’m Nicole! I’m an artist who loves color, movement, and capturing the feeling of a moment without getting lost in the details. I’ll be sharing my art and my process, so be sure to follow! "Cottagecore", 2024, 24"x18", acrylic on canvas #art #acrylicpainting #painting