We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nicole Clauder. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nicole below.

Nicole, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

When I am commissioned, it is most often for a personal project on a subject near and dear to the client–a pet, a parent, a child, a spouse. They will often gush about the subject, or the person they are commissioning for, and sharing that passion with them brings a brightness to my work.

After leaving the office life to pursue art, I enjoyed a little over a year teaching painting classes at a local wine-and-paint studio; has hard as the work was, and despite the pay, it was one of the best jobs I’d ever had. Unfortunately, the studio closed down shortly before the pandemic. On my very last day of class, Derek and Janelle came in for a look around and see about doing a special date night art class because they’re artists as well! Of course, I had to deliver the bad news that they’d come in on our last day ever. But I gave them my card and let them know I do private lessons and commissions, never imagining Derek would reach out to me a few weeks later with the most romantic, sweet project I’d heard of: a commission of him proposing to Janelle for her to see AS HE PROPOSED TO HER. We scoped out the spot for months, taking pictures and discussing details, down to the shoes they would wear day of. This was during the early days of the pandemic. We were concerned about the shutdown and distancing, and watched updates constantly.

Although the resulting painting is not huge, I had never worked so hard on one in all my life to get everything Just. Right. Then, the big day arrived, and we honestly couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful afternoon. Derek led Janelle down the steps to the pergola where I was set up and painting, under the guise of a walk around Town Lake. As they descended the steps, the trees parted to this lovely scene and I will never forget Janelle’s face as she realized what was on the canvas. We were all in tears by the end of the whole event.

A pretty painting is the side effect of taking a short journey with your subject, and getting a glimpse into a very cherished part of someone else’s life. Sharing the experience of life.

The ways art brings people together is why I am an artist.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I am a self-taught painter, sketch artist, and hobby digital artist. As you can see, I enjoy sharing my vision of the world through the vibrant, bold splashes of color in my work! A passion for animals and art drove me through school, initially as a vet-tech hopeful, a business-school candidate, finally to animator. These days, I’m primarily a portrait painter working in acrylics on canvas, doing lots of pet and people portraits, in addition to dipping my toes into the world of digital art commissions.

After developing depression from years of working in customer service and hospitality, I took a leap and left my safe office job to pursue art as much as I was able. I picked up a weekend job teaching painting classes, put up a stall in as many farmers markets as I could, and chased any and all art shows coming to town. In the meantime, I worked multiple jobs during the remainder of the week to make ends meet, while also painting and doing digital commissions and running an online comic. Despite having no time off, and the hardest boss I’d ever had (me!), it was the happiest I’d been in years.

My clients know I am very personable, and won’t stop until the result is just right. They know I take in their stories, and will reflect it back to them with bright, bold colors. Art does not exist in a vacuum, it is built by community and experiences in the world around us. I like to think I am reminding people of the happier sides of that world when they view my work.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The best remedy I can think of to make sure creativity in a community thrives is to give space for people to be themselves, both as a physical space and in everyday life. Austin being the city to embrace the “weird” was a big draw to me. Having weekend events for artisans and crafters, frequent showcases, and local promotion of art not only supports creatives and the local economy, but brings communities together!

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Continuing on the topic of supporting artists: like many things in life, networking is key for success! Personally, I am an introvert and naturally resistant to being social. But getting out there to shows, meeting other artists, vendors, and event creators will do wonders for getting your work in front of others. Contacting local businesses like cafés, bars, gift shops and asking about wall space, or any local art spotlight they’re doing are also great ways to get involved.

Also, on a more practical side, don’t be afraid to check out second-hand craft stores for supplies. They can also be a good resource for local art happenings! I’m thankful that Austin is a creative-friendly town. Austin Creative Reuse and Habitat for Humanity Restore have been lifesavers for my budget.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.nclauderart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nclauderart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NClauderArt