Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Cromwell
Hi Nicole, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My art journey began nearly 10 years ago while I was working as a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit. I was caring for a young patient named Amy, and when I learned she was an artist, I encouraged her family to bring in her artwork to decorate her room. The transformation was immediate—her space became more vibrant, and it allowed us to connect with Amy on a much deeper level. This experience opened my eyes to the profound impact that art can have on healing, both emotionally and physically.
When Amy, unfortunately, lost her battle with her illness, I felt compelled to honor her memory. I organized a “creative night” with 14 of my colleagues in her honor. We painted, crafted, made jewelry—exploring all sorts of creative projects. I had never painted before that night, but I was instantly hooked. From there, I sought out classes wherever I could find them, followed by workshops, and eventually, retreats around the world.
Now, fast forward 10 years, and I’ve been fortunate to win numerous awards, participate in both solo and group shows, and grow a thriving art business. Throughout this journey, the compassion and resilience I developed as a nurse have continued to inspire my work, driving me to create art that soothes and heals.
Last year, I retired from my 25-year nursing career and fulfilled a long-held dream by opening my own art gallery in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Being an artist requires a lot of patience and vulnerability. This journey has helped me grow in ways I never anticipated and in areas I didn’t even know I needed to.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning that you can’t please everyone with your art style—and that you shouldn’t try to. Everyone has different tastes, and your artwork will resonate with the people who are meant to connect with it.
Another challenge is prioritizing all the things I want to achieve—I have so many ideas and goals that I’m eager to bring to life! I’m definitely working harder than I ever did as a nurse, but now it’s in a way that feels much more fulfilling and nourishing for my soul.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I paint acrylic abstract paintings inspired by the beauty of the Monterey Bay Area. My artwork is intuitive—meaning I don’t necessarily paint what I see, but rather what I feel. Each piece consists of layer upon layer of paint, with every layer contributing to the final work. Many times, I’ll cover up an entire painting and start over if it doesn’t feel right. My mentor often tells me that I have 100 finished paintings hidden beneath every completed piece.
I truly believe in the healing power of art, and that’s what I’m known for. When I paint seascapes, the colors are soft, calming, and tranquil. My florals, on the other hand, are gentle with vibrant pops of color peeking through. I often hear, “Wow, it’s so calming and feels healing in here,” when people visit my art gallery.
After working as a critical care nurse for 25 years, my painting practice became a way to heal my soul. Now, that healing energy is what I strive to put out into the world.
I’m most proud of the way I’ve transitioned from being a healer as a nurse to a healer through my art. I also teach healing art classes to nurses, both in workshops and through my online beginner art course. The course not only helps them discover their creative side but also introduces them to the many ways in which art can benefit their health and well-being. I believe this unique focus is what sets me apart from others.
One of the most rewarding moments for me was when a nurse who took my course shared that she felt a renewed sense of peace and clarity in her life, something she hadn’t experienced in years. Hearing stories like this reminds me why I transitioned into this work—bringing healing to others through art is truly my greatest passion.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
As a registered nurse during the COVID-19 crisis, I witnessed firsthand the immense toll it took on the mental health of healthcare workers. Even though I wasn’t directly caring for COVID patients during the height of the pandemic, the strain was felt across the entire healthcare system. The constant exposure to tragedy, the relentless pace of care, and the feeling of helplessness weighed heavily on everyone in the medical field. We were all connected by the shared burden of supporting our patients and each other through an incredibly challenging time.
When I retired from nursing, I was working in a COVID ICU, where the aftereffects of the pandemic were still palpable. I know that even though we’ve gained better control over the virus, its impact on the medical community continues to linger in profound ways. Many healthcare workers are still grappling with burnout, compassion fatigue, and the emotional scars left by the pandemic.
Healing our healers is essential for the well-being of everyone. Those who dedicate their lives to caring for others deserve the same compassion and care that they provide so selflessly. I’m committed to contributing to that healing through my artwork and online course. By offering a creative outlet, I hope to provide a space where healthcare workers can find solace, rediscover their passion, and begin to heal from the inside out. My art and teaching are driven by a deep understanding of the challenges they face and a desire to help them reconnect with their own sense of peace and well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nicolecromwellart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.cromwell.art
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicolecromwellgallery
- Yelp: https://biz.yelp.com/biz_info/gKU0yDslUcX0n_CbY-7_kQ
