In the early 1970s, Nikki resumed her art studies at the Education Center in Walnut Creek. Studying with Lundy Siegriest, son of Society of Six member Louis Siegriest, sparked her interest in Plein Air painting. In the early 1980s, Nikki turned to watercolors. Painting for seven years with Don Osterloh, ("The California Style" 1925-1955), helped her become more of a colorist.
The 1983 art show of work by Selden Gile, the spiritual leader of the Society of Six, renewed her passion for plein air painting. Painting with Jerrold Turner and later joined by Pam Glover and William Rushton created a strong bond and the beginning of "The Outsiders" an art group which teamed up for the fun of painting and showing their work.
Nikki currently shows
her work at the Green House Studio/Gallery in Benicia where she also holds
workshops in Plein Air painting.
Cliffs and Surf
oil on canvas
Being a Plein Air painter has its difficulties, the changing light, the sudden wind, the scorching sun. However, the benefits far out weigh those obstacles. Beside the total merging with the outdoors the connection with other people is practically inevitable.
The creative process brings us the gift of bridging over age, gender and race. Little toddlers barely reaching my pallet stand wide eyed peering onto my canvas and pallet. Older folks share with nostalgia how painting was something they'd like to pursue. Youth slow down their skateboards at my site and stop to examine my painting. They depart with an appreciating remark: "cool".
I like
connecting with people. I like my art being a means to do that.
Snow
Melt
oil on canvas