Nicole Hutchins is an artist, graphic designer and maker.
A mainlander by birth and Tasmanian by spirit, she now calls the Huon Valley home.
Nicole’s fascination lies in colour theory, tone, and negative space.
Working in layers, both acrylic and oil paint are utilised. The acrylic appeases the need for a quick first layer of colour before layer after layer of oil paint is applied to achieve shape and depth.
Be it human or animal likenesses, inanimate objects that provide personal insights or an experience such as place, in essence, Nicole’s work is grounded in portraiture, just rarely in a traditional sense.
Currently intrigued by wildflowers, the subjects come from her yard, the side of the road or anywhere she passes. In portraying a likeness, Nicole elevates their beauty, and gilds their uniqueness. By isolating them on dark backgrounds, enhancing their charm and intensifying their colours, the attention is brought to the delicate shapes and subtle hues that make them so exquisite.
“There’s something magical about wildflowers. Existing due to Mother Nature’s nurturing alone, to bloom unexpectedly and happen upon by chance. Be they natives, weeds, or invasive species, they are a wonderful moment of unforeseen beauty.”