Born and raised in Claremont, California, story telling was always a passion for Nicholas; drawing comics, creating live theater and briefly working in the local television cable news department. After studying theatre arts at U.C.L.A.’s School of Theater, Film and Television, Nicholas pursued a career as a lighting and scenic designer in numerous local and regional theaters. In 2002, after several successful years in the Los Angeles theater, Nicholas moved to New York and slowly shifted into a more technical role in the theater.

To keep his artistic side engaged he attended frequent art classes at The Art Students League, eventually becoming a member. These classes began his technical training in drawing, watercolor and sculpture.

In 2008, Nicholas spent some time at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine. He used his knowledge of tools and sculpture to explore the creation of fine wood furniture. He learned basic fine woodworking skills up through advanced techniques such a marquetry, steam bending and working on a lathe to create beautiful projects.

In 2015, he joined The Fashion Institute of Technology’s Illustration Department. It was a dream to return to art full time and he quickly discovered a love of painting. With the guidance of teachers, he developed an affinity for oil painting and started to focus on this medium. Nicholas graduated Summa Cum Laude with an AAS and a BFA in Illustration and earned the Illustration Department Medal.

Nicholas is heavily influenced by the classic American illustrators as well as fine artists ranging from Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema to John Singer Sargent. He is also influenced by contemporary illustrators such as Donato Giancola and Greg Manchess. Nicholas continues his education working tirelessly while visiting museums and galleries in New York and abroad. He regularly attends life drawing classes and painting workshops.

Nicholas is beginning a long career in illustration and hopes to continue to create beautiful, emotional stories through his artwork.

Nicholas lives with his partner in New York City.

EDUCATION

Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, New York. Department of Illustration, AAS and BFA Illustration, Summa Cum Laude, 2015-2020.

The Art Students League, New York, New York. Drawing, Painting and Sculpture, 2002-Present

Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, Rockport, Maine. 2008.

University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California. School of Theater, Film and Television, BA Theater, 1993-1998.

EXPERIENCE

Freelance Illustration & Portraiture, 2018 to present.

MEMBERSHIPS, AWARDS & EXHIBITIONS

Illustration Department Medal, Fashion Institute of Technology, 2020

Student Member, Society of Illustrators, 2016-2020.

Communication Arts, Short Listed, 2020 Illustration Student Competition.

Creative Quarterly, Honorable Mention CQ56 Student Competition