Jane Nicolo Fine Art
Updates from Jane Nicolo Fine Art
July 31, 2025
Last week, on my break up north, the weather was a total washout. So, I spent most of my time here, at this table, drawing the same scene I attempt to draw annually, while at the same cabin. This time, I had no excuse to leave my drawing. The beach was not calling (due to heavy downpours), the fire pit was soggy, wooded roads were not beckoning me to go for a run. Being forced indoors, I HAD TO draw–a tough spot to be in, but I stuck with it (and played some cards, too). No masterpieces were created, but it was a great lesson in patience.
July 17, 2025
Inspiration...now there's a topic for you. As an artist, I am always hoping to find inspiration, in order to make work, but sometimes months can go by without it. In my experience, slumps happen just as often as productive periods. Sometimes all it takes is a change of scenery to shake out of it. Next week, I am packing up my art supplies for a family vacation to northern Minnesota and hoping this view will inspire me! Happy summer and may you find the inspiration for all of your creative endeavors!
July 3, 2025
In June, while visiting Chicago, I went on Chicago's Architecture Boat Tour with my daughter, Frannie, who has resided there for almost seven years. It was well worth it to see the city from a different viewpoint, learn about the evolution of the city, and develop a greater appreciation for Chicago's architecture. Of course, going with Frannie made it all the more special. The building pictured here was my favorite on the tour. At 1,191 ft tall, Jeanne Gang's St. Regis Chicago is currently the tallest building in the world designed by a woman. ✊⚡
June 12, 2025
I am still catching my breath from May! Here is an update from Art-A-Whirl 2025: I am grateful for some new patrons who purchased original art and cards from me at my studio (139) in The Northrup King Building. From time to time, every artist questions why we make art. I am no exception to this. I was so excited to sell this painting (and more) this year. Thanks to my new collectors, I am feeling the love! P.S. I am having a 15% off sale on my graduation, pride, and encouragement cards through the end of June. 'Tis the season to celebrate big things!
June 5, 2025
May was CRAZY! In addition to b-day celebrations (mine, my son's, and so MANY May birthdays) and Art-A-Whirl, I had the honor of working on the wedding design for a dear friend. My graphic design and visual skills came in handy: I designed her wedding invitation suite, signage for the big day, and also arranged all the flowers. Many of you know that I am a designer of many things, in addition to being a fine artist, so this was right up my alley. I have been designing custom wedding suites for more than 20 years, but this one was extra special! ✨
May 29, 2025
Happy birthday to me! Pictured here (second from the left) I started partying very early on–as every baby should. As I close out this year of my life, I am thinking of the wishes I will make as I blow out the birthday candles on my cake tonight. Here is the short list: 1) make more art and explore new mediums, 2) spend plenty of quality time with loved ones, 3) show my appreciation for Mother Nature, 4) lots of live music, and 5) much less worrying. My birthday wish for you is that you take time to appreciate art and the beauty in everyday life.
May 8, 2025
Art-A-Whirl® is a district-wide open studio tour in Northeast Minneapolis. It’s a great opportunity to tour private artist studios and galleries, connect with the artists, and purchase original artwork. Over the last few decades, it has become the largest open studio tour in the country. Art-A-Whirl® takes place annually throughout Northeast Minneapolis, the third weekend of May. This year, due to other commitments, I will be at Art-A-Whirl® ONLY on Saturday, May 17th, noon to 8 pm. Find me in Studio 139 at The Northrup King Building.
May 1, 2025
A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned art in spaces. Here is another example of how I create art to fit within a space, taking all of the surroundings into consideration, while also helping to construct an attractive vignette. Not every thing has to match, but when the elements complement each other, every single piece sings in harmony, much like a well-rehearsed choir. I really love this aspect of what I do!
April 17, 2025
Sometimes the studio gets so messy! Over the winter, art-related and non-art-related "stuff" has piled up on every work surface in my home studio. It's spring cleaning time! I have recently begun the process of organizing the studio. It always feels good to put things in their proper place, donate unused art supplies, and shelve some projects for a later date, in the hopes that a clean space will bring forth a clear and freer mind to create something fresh and beautiful. Best of luck in all of YOUR spring-cleaning endeavors!
April 10, 2025
My commission process is highly customized. It starts out with a home or office visit. Budget, colors, scale, and placement are all discussed up front. I ask about the emotion that the client wants to feel when they see their art–excitement, calm, drama, warmth, etc. Much thought and planning go into making a painting. And when a client is looking for help with decorating, furnishings, color consulting, count me in. Environments are influenced by the art in them and vice versa, so everything must be harmonious. This always makes for a successful outcome!
April 3, 2025
This week, it's all about abstracts–the world I have primarily worked in for the past 11 years. In 2014, after dabbling in abstracts for a bit, the opportunity to do a painting for a friend's law office presented itself. The direction I received from my easygoing client: "I love Ireland and green is my favorite color." I was up for the challenge, but I struggled to create the right painting. At the unveiling, my smiling client said, "I love it! This reminds me of the causeways of Ireland!" Ahhh, imagine my relief and joy! And so we named it "Causeway".
March 27, 2025
This oversized pastel portrait of my daughter, Frannie, at two and a half years old (she's now 24!), with all of her favorite toys, was the start of something. It marks my transition from designer-illustrator to fine artist. This was shortly after designing and co-illustrating three patient education books for Fairview-University of MN Hospitals, which rekindled my love of drawing. For many years, all of my commissions were portraits of children–until I began to dabble in abstracts. Tune in later for the story of my first abstract commission!
March 20, 2025
Here I am as a 20-year-old college student at Minneapolis College of Art + Design, wearing my art "installation". The assignment for my Foundations class was to make an art installation using images of one's own face and then use the surroundings as a means of distorting the images. Some students projected their images, while others painted their likeness onto a curved or textured surface. I opted to create this body suit and painted several images of my face onto it. Voilà! Live, walking, and talking art!
March 13, 2025
The spring Northrup King Nights is almost here! Join my studio mates and me in Studio 139 on Saturday, March 22, 4-8 pm. It is your chance to experience the vibrant energy of our iconic building and the incredible talents of the artists within. The Northrup King Building has everything from beautiful galleries and fun boutiques to one-of-a-kind local businesses, where you'll find jewelry, fine art, home goods, wearables, wellness items, sculpture, photography, and so much more. P.S. I'll be getting there around 6 pm, so pop in, if you are able to!
March 6, 2025
Recently, my sister shared a social media post of Dr. Martha Beck sharing this golden nugget. Beck stated: if you are experiencing anxiety, you should do something creative—not necessarily “creative” in the traditional sense of the word (painting or drawing). It could be something mundane, like rearranging furniture or making a sandwich, as long as you are “creating”. I haven’t had much time to paint lately, so I make soup. The act of chopping vegetables and stirring ingredients is hypnotic, calming, and purposeful, often lending a break from anxiety.
February 27, 2025
I went through some photos at my parents' house last weekend and came across this one. During my early childhood, my parents painted some cool abstracts together and would bring my sister, Anne, and me (far right) to art fairs, where they would sell their work. Since there are no records of their sales back then, I have no idea where these paintings ended up. As I got older, my parents got so immersed in parenting that they stopped painting, which makes me sad. And these sweet photographic memories serve as a proper reminder to me to never stop creating.
February 13, 2025
Happy Valentine's Day! I hope this week finds you celebrating love. Love can take many forms–not necessarily romantic...but it certainly can be! It can also be love you have for your kiddos, your best friend, or your pets. In just about everything I do, I try to keep love at the heart of it. :) A few years ago, I created "I HEART YOU!" as an fun doodle and posted it on social media. When my son's friend saw it, she told her mom she loved it. When her mom purchased it for her for her birthday, I was so appreciative and most def felt the love!
February 6, 2025
Whether you're new to the Lyric community newsletter, or not, I thought you might enjoy this detail of "Joey", 36" x 48" (life-sized!), acrylic, from 2021. This was a heartwarming commission for my clients–a couple that had lost their pup far too soon. I was thrilled when I found out my painting took fourth place in the Minnesota State Fair Fine Arts Exhibition that year. Recent fans and collectors know me for my abstract work, but I do realistic portraits of pets and people, too. Hope your week is doggone great!
January 30, 2025
Last week, while feeling pretty lousy (both physically and mentally), I decided to venture out for a walk along the Mississippi River. Despite chilly, windy, and gloomy conditions, it did me a world of good. It was a gentle reminder to never underestimate the power of being in nature. I couldn't resist snapping a few photos of some wintry scenes. There is a good chance that I will revisit these for art inspiration someday. I wish you a great week, filled with wonder and inspiration. And get out for a walk–it'll do you some good on so many levels! <3
January 23, 2025
I did this little cartoon about two and a half years ago, when I was dealing with a kidney stone. Well, guess what! I am not so happy to report that The Kidney Stones have made another comeback, with "Mick Jagged" on lead vocals, singing "One Hit to the Body". This makes their fifth or sixth award-winning performance in my lifetime. So, I have been prescribed "Mother's Little Helper" to get me through, until I see my urologist, when, hopefully, the stone will be "(Sha-doobie) Shattered" sometime next week. Wish me luck! And rock on.
January 16, 2025
This view! I walk past this view through my living room picture window, out to my backyard, several times each day. It is one that I often take for granted, but every once in a while, I pause and admire. I know I have mentioned this before: trees are, probably, a favorite inspiration for my paintings. Sometimes there are bits and pieces in my work that are easily-recognizable as trees, but other times, there is a subtle suggestion of trees. Either way, keep looking for the trees. And thank you, trees, for providing endless inspiration!
January 8, 2025
Happy New Year! Recently, I delivered two new paintings! It is always such a pleasure to deliver work that I know my collectors are excited to receive and can't wait to hang in their homes. "Balance" was sold to a very dear friend (since grade school!). When she told me how the painting made her feel balanced and peaceful, during a rough patch in her life, I felt that the art was absolutely meant for her. It was so great to get a photo from her of the painting hanging over her mantel, just in time to celebrate the holidays with her loved ones.
December 18, 2024
This week I had the great pleasure of delivering a custom commission to a couple that I have known for some time, but are new to collecting my work. They gifted this piece to themselves as a tribute to their 30+ year marriage. It is called "After the Fire". The painting speaks to the ups and downs of long and beautiful marriage and their enduring love throughout all of it. It is my privilege and it warms my heart to be able to create custom art pieces for collectors that have shared such moving and personal stories with me.
December 4, 2024
It's been a busy week! We had a Small Business Saturday event as a kickoff to this year's Holiday Lane in The Northrup King Building. There were so many visitors and a lot of great conversations. Thanks to all who stopped by! We will be open in Studio 139 for the next couple of Saturdays in December, noon to 4 pm. The whole building is filled with hundreds of artists and lots of great gifts. Swing in to say 'hi' and find something unique, while supporting small businesses and artists.
November 20, 2024
I hope you are having a great week! As the holiday season quickly approaches us, I encourage you to support artists, when contemplating your gift-giving list. There is such a variety of talents and skillsets out there–and items at different price ranges. Perhaps, a functional piece, like pottery or handmade clothing? How about some art? If original drawings or paintings are slightly out of reach, consider giving an artist's print or a set of art notecards. Speaking on behalf of artists everywhere, we always really appreciate your interest and support!
November 13, 2024
A huge thanks to all of my supporters, both new and seasoned that came out to Art Attack last week at the Northrup King Building. It was an exciting weekend, filled with great conversations about art and even a few art sales!
October 30, 2024
Hi there! I am so excited for Art Attack, coming up soon at The Northrup King Building. Come see my new work, including originals, prints and art cards in Studio 139. The Details: Art Attack is FREE and open to the public. November 8: 5 -10 pm November 9: noon - 8 pm November 10: noon - 5 pm See you there! Pictured here is "Edge of the Forest", a watercolor original, including...you guessed it...trees! Oh, did I mention that I love trees?!
October 16, 2024
Hello! Here's what's on the easel this week... Yep, trees. For some reason, trees are always showing up in my work. It might be because I just love them. Anyhow, enjoy the work-in-progress! There is a good chance this will look completely different when it's done. :) Hoping to be showing this work at Art Attack, taking place November 8-10, at the Northrup King Building.