Carolyn Nicholls

The easiest way to buy my work is to explore my Open House gallery and email me at carolyn.nicholls@me.com

Colour and light. It’s the inspiration that drives me to paint. Bright or muted filtering through trees or lighting the landscape, or softly shinning on fabric, it all inspires me. Colours of hot summer and colours of winter. I paint, draw, sketch and dabble. I paint En Plein air mostly in oil, I also use inks, pastels and water-colour, whatever takes my fancy at the time. I paint on canvas, board paper, chunks of wood and even the occasional old lampshade.

My work is mostly landscape but includes still life and abstract images. I paint in my garden, walking the South Downs. I always have a sketch-book tucked about me for anything that catches my eye.

What people say: “I fell in love with Carolyn’s pieces from the moment I saw them. The only dilemma I had was, which one do I get? I now own four pieces and I am tempted to buy more. I love how unique they are and how there’s a story behind each piece. I also love Carolyn’s use of colour palettes - she always picks just the right colours to use. She’s a talented artist and I feel that her pieces are probably underpriced! Once you’ve owned a piece from Carolyn you’ll find your collection will grow." Simona Stankovska

"Earlier in 2020 I commissioned Carolyn to paint a picture for my dad's birthday. Now he is one of those people who are impossible to buy for so i was pretty chuffed when I came up with the idea. I send Carolyn his favourite family photo and we consulted on style. I'm not arty at all but Carolyn's passion is evident and she understood my ideas and sent sketches as she mapped things out. The sketches got me excited about the results but when the picture arrived I was moved to tears. It's such a gorgeous piece and my dad was over the moon with it. It takes pride of place in their home and I wouldn't hesitate to use Carolyn again." K.S.

Almost time for Open House

We are at the point of hanging paintings, tinkering the garden, and gernerally getting ready for our public! Do come and see. Here are some of our offerings. … [Read More...] about Almost time for Open House

Getting ready for the Open House

Linda and I are preparing for our first Open House. The challenges are many. We have installed a fantastic hanging system and now have to work out how to use it properly. These are our first efforts. … [Read More...] about Getting ready for the Open House

Studio 87

Next May, my painter friend Linda Church and I are going to take part in Brighton's Artists Open Houses. We painted together throughout lockdown, setting ourselves challenges, studying the masters, egging each other on. We did still life, landscape and portrait. I finally had to admit I could no … [Read More...] about Studio 87

Cuckmere Haven

I'm thrilled that my painting of Cuckmere Haven has been chosen by The Council fro the Protection of Rural England fro their Christmas card this year. This beautiful place is unique and the environment is very fragile and already been battered by storms, extreme weather, erosion and climate … [Read More...] about Cuckmere Haven

Painting in Lockdown

I'm very lucky to have a studio right in my garden. So when lockdown hit, all I had to do was walk down my garden steps and into my studio. Painting became a way of staying sane. I did lots of sketches and doodles rather than serious paintings- that came later. I tidied my studio, made it untidy … [Read More...] about Painting in Lockdown

Portraits of my family

Painting those you love is a challenge. How to get a likeness, how to capture a feeling, and essence of character and a sense of relationship. I have always found portrait painting both powerful and exciting. I love the National Portrait Gallery- especially the old masters covered in layers of … [Read More...] about Portraits of my family

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