The Extinction Event

August 10, 2017

My work is up, & part of a really cool show for a great cause, now exhibited at Frontier.

Spindleworks's annual all species exhibit! - "The Extinction Event is meant to draw attention to our living planet, both to celebrate & to raise awareness of the diversity of species, all affected by our actions." A portion of all sales from the exhibit will be donated to Maine Audubon to help fund their efforts to protect Maine’s wildlife.

I have 3 pieces up in the company of lots of other great work, from artist all over #Maine. Opening is August 11, 2017, 4-7pm. Exhibit runs August 1st-September 29th 🌍

Forever in the air.

August 6, 2017

Wedding gifts of 2017 -

Erin & Dylan Hawley, in the beautiful rolling hills of Vermont.

Clair & Bill had an amazing party on Foster's Point. I never got a picture of it framed.

Commissioned for a couple wed in a rose garden in Colorado.

& Last but not least, another commission, gifted in Minnesota for a couple proud of their home state, an interest in Vikings, runes, spirit animals, & the significance in the number #17. This one was fun, because I was given so much info to work with!

A painting is a great way to commemorate a couples special day, something they'll have forever, & who doesn't love original art on their walls?! Contact me, I'd love to work with you!

Eat More Art

June 6, 2017

Excited to be a part of an awesome group show at Pinecone+Chickadee at 6 Free Street Portland Maine. Featuring the works of over 70 local artist, & 91 pieces of art! Each artist submitted an 8"x8" panel, with their own chosen subject matter, medium, & style. Creating a really cool collection!

My piece: "All Knowing Bees" - Available for purchase.

The show is up for the month of June! Besides amazing local art, Pinecone + Chickadee has a ton of other fun vintage, cloathing, pins, patches, shades, jewlwery etc. Check them out! ✌🏼

For Aftyn

May 4, 2017

I was recently contacted through Instagram to create a special painting for a gem of a follower. She sent me pictures of her space & wanted something "earthy/foresty." Though we haven't officially met, I knew that she grew up in Maine and I wanted to create something that had the essence of Maine's woods meets coast, to hang in her new home, New York.

Voila.

It's hard to believe that I shipped it Tuesday and it has already arived (by Thursday) at it's new home!

Aftyn writes:

"It is the perfect addition to our house. The ferns remind me so much of my childhood, running through the woods without a care in the world. The subtle touch of the ocean warms my soul; it reminds me of my true home, Maine. The one constant place in my life. Seriously... I could sit here and stare at this painting all day and be happy. I love it ... ! It means so much to me."

Aftyn (beautiful name right?) you were a dream of a client, thank you so much for your support, compliments and recommendation.

Who has a bare wall that needs art?! I'd love to book another commission, I am ready when you are!

Mom, Artist, Wife, Bartender

April 28, 2017

My life is full, all good things. Obviously being a mom to my girl is priority number one. I'm lucky that I get to spend my days with her, & only work a few nights a week bartending, (obviously not my passion, or what I want to use my degree for, but it's at the best possible restaurant & gratefully profitable.) We've never needed to find daycare because she always gets to be with me or my husband. Which has been ideal for us.

Being an artist at the same time, is where it gets tricky. My heart & mind always want to be making, always wants to be productive. Finding that balance between being present with my daughter Juniper & finding the time to paint is hard. Having a home studio helps, because I can more easily steal moments here are there, but it also brings its challenges. If I'm home and you can see me I'm 'available' or I myself can easily be distracted, or often do what I like to call 'procrasti-clean.'

My husband is very supportive & Juniper lets me get away with it for the most part, sometimes too much, & then I feel guilty that my attention isn't all on her... the struggle for the perfect harmony is real. What ever did I do with all my time before motherhood?!

Nap time the most glorious time of the day!

My situation, for the most part, is as ideal as it could be, & I am grateful.

BUT boy do I dream of finding that elusive, & valuable commodity; Time.

Someday I'll be the prolific artist I have boiling up in me, (& or update my website as often as I should ... ) Until then standby and be patient with me, or more importantly I'll be patient with myself.

<3 - nikki

Snow storm paintings.

April 4, 2017

I find myself most productive during Maine's long winter months. Here are a few paintings I made just because, during the days I found myself hibernating in a snow globe.

Find more detailed images of each piece on my paintings page, & all three are now listed in the shop for purchase!

Latest Comission.

February 3, 2017

I recently got asked to create a painting for a friend featuring his three favorite 'critters' as he called them. Being a scuba diver, & a traveler, he has actually come face to face with each of them. A great white shark, a hammer head, & a tiger shark. He spoke of them so affectionately.

Scary predators are not my usual subject matter, but I seriously had so much fun making this painting.

2' x 3.5' Watercolor and milk paint on birch panel.

It was such a reward to see how happy & excited he was to with the finished product.

Have an idea you'd like to see visualized? I'm your girl!

Weddings!

October 4, 2016

Wedding season in Maine is often packed with events. 2016 in particular kept my husband & I busy with four great parties to attend! I had fun creating a painting to gift to each of the happy couples.

I wish all our beautiful friends a life time of love & happiness & hope they enjoy their paintings as long!

Instagram

May 18, 2016

Follow me on Instagram: nikki_pilgrim_art -

I've been painting a lot, and not very good at sharing, especially not here on my website.

I have goals to get better! But until then Instagram is a great way to keep up with me.

I have an impromptu show up, more news to come!

Cheers & Love,

nikki

Commissions

December 1, 2015

Character development

August 26, 2015

I have an exciting project brewing, & I think I'll be spending a lot of time with the idea of this guy.

It might be awhile before I tell you more, but I wanted to share a little prelude tease. <3

Affirmation

July 3, 2015

"— Her work is soulful, organic, charming and reminiscent of Frida Kahlo’s art..." - Susan Tuttle

Better late then never, but I noticed my website was getting some traffic from susantuttlephotograhy.com & much to my surprise I had received some love. Susan Tuttle, a photographer & fellow Maine artist, had seen my paintings and had given them a glowing review. It is a warm and fuzzy feeling to have ones work appreciated & I wanted to share her kind words.

It's always nice when a fellow talented artist thinks you're talented too. Susan's website is lovely, her photography (self portraiture & life studies,) and her writting are both atmospheric - with depth and warmth. I'm as happy to view her work as she was with mine. Take a moment and go visit it her site, it's a wealth of beautiful images.

Susan Tuttle Photography. All rights reserved.

Continuing on this positivity train. Last week I went to the June Lewiston Art walk where my paintings are showing until the end of this month (July) at Current Gallery and Magazine. - It was an amazing experience. I was blown away by the admiration and appreciation of my work. So much positivite, & really valuable & intelligent feed back. Great conversations all around. I am grateful & inspired.

I have new paintings in the works! Commissions. So stayed tuned I hope to share them soon! - I'm always accepting orders by the way, great for gifts or to fill that empty wall!

With love & gratitude, signing off - <3 Nikki

Current Gallery

June 29, 2015

My work with a new piece of a Charlie Hewit's sculpture.

Extended show through July! I've had such wonderful feedback & love from the show, thank you everyone!

Under the Sea

May 29, 2015

New paintings & a new show!

I've been quiet this past month because I've been working hard, simultaneously on two new paintings!

'Oceans Flow' 4'x2' Mixed media painting on birch panel. Framed in oak. $1100

'Into the Deep' 4'x2' Mixed media painting on birch panel. Framed in oak. $1500

^ I took this photo while they were sitting in the setting sun, waiting to be loaded up to bring to the gallery. I used an iridescent paint that is hard to capture, it glimmers and add lots of dimension. Something you need to see in person!&nbs… — ^ I took this photo while they were sitting in the setting sun, waiting to be loaded up to bring to the gallery. I used an iridescent paint that is hard to capture, it glimmers and add lots of dimension. Something you need to see in person!

^ Here I am, at work multitasking, with the babe on my hip. Exercise & painting?! No wonder why my back hurts!

These two paintings as well as 4 other Nikki Pilgrim originals will be hanging for the month of June, in Lewiston at Current Gallery, located on 12 Ash St. Over there with the guys of Current Magazine! Tonight (May 29th) is Lewiston's first art walk of the season! Local Maine artist Charlie Hewitt is showing a new sculpture there too! Check it out!

Painting Patterns

April 17, 2015

In the spirit of continuing my 5"x7" series - here's a new batch of juicy patterns!

Nikki Pilgrim original watercolor. For demonstration purposes only.

I'm in the process of ordering greeting cards out of the 5x7 series. Any favorites?!

Painting a day.

March 7, 2015

This past week I did a 5"x7" series, a painting a day. 'Quickies' as I like to call them. I shared them everyday on my Instagram.

Day 1 :

Day 2 :

Day 3 :

Day 4 :

Day 5 :

Day 6 :

Day 7 :

I didn't really mean to stop, but balancing a toddler & painting everyday does prove a bit challenging. - The plan is to do more! - & the best ones will be printed as greeting cards, they will be available as packs to purchase in my shop! As well as the framed originals! So stay tuned! Meanwhile you can follow me, if you like, on Instagram as 'nikkipolished.'

On a side note, the show at Frontier just came down, thank you to everyone for all your love, I sold a lot of paintings! & have a handful of commissions to get to work on! Really awesome, thank you! If you missed out on something you liked please don't hesitate to contact me.

cheers!

New Show @ Frontier.

February 2, 2015

I have some new paintings (& a few older ones) hanging in a group show, at the very lovely Frontier. A bar, restaurant, music, cinema, & art gallery all in one. Located in the big, beautiful Fort Andros in Brunswick, Maine.

'El Sol Y La Luna' 2' x 4' mixed media painting on birch panel. Framed in 1" poplar stained a deep blue-black. Sold. — 'El Sol Y La Luna' 2' x 4' mixed media painting on birch panel. Framed in 1" poplar stained a deep blue-black. Sold.

'Feathers & Textiles' 2' x 2' mixed media painting on birch panel. Framed in 1" poplar stained black. Sold.

'All In The Golden Afternoon' 1'19.4" x 1'4" mixed media painting on birch panel. Sold.

Frontier is an absolutely beautiful space, with hard wood floors, rustic furniture, lofty ceilings, & a full wall of windows facing the Androscoggin river, with views of the dam & the swinging bridge. It manages to be industrial yet warm & welcoming.

The menu is delicious. Conscientious, quality food, from vegan nachos to steak frites. There are 9 local beers on tap, a great wine selection & creative craft cocktails. That I personally help design. When I'm not mommy-ing, painting, or thrifting - I also just so happen to work at Frontier part time. Slinging drinks & tending bar, I was recently featured in an article in Current Magazine.

Photo by Jared Lussier of Current Magazine. — Photo by Jared Lussier of Current Magazine.

I work with a team of wonderful people, some of the best I've had the pleasure of working with in the industry. Frontier also has a theater, where you can either see an independent film or catch some local music (while enjoying libations from the bar!) - I'm not just saying all this because I work there, I truly & highly recommend a visit!

Please stop in and check out my new paintings & sample the amazing food, drinks, service & atmosphere.

Cheers! <3 N

The show will be up until the beginning of March!

'The Pious Flamingo'

December 4, 2014

New painting! This piece has been in the works, for what feels like forever! It was sold before it was even finished, & now it has finally made it's way to NY, NY - to grace the walls of its new owners. Hooray!

'The Pious Flamingo'  4' x 2' Mixed media painting on birch panel. Framed in dark cobalt blue stained, 1.5" poplar. Nikki Pilgrim original. — 'The Pious Flamingo' 4' x 2' Mixed media painting on birch panel. Framed in dark cobalt blue stained, 1.5" poplar.
Nikki Pilgrim original.

Details ^> Often I incorporate collage in my pieces, but this one is all hand painted. Mostly with watercolors - with some milk paint & enamel. A scene from my wild imagination.

I have two more paintings nearly finished, I will be sharing with you soon.

Stay tuned. XO -n

Dahlov Ipcar

December 3, 2014

Swoon! I am so in love with the work of one of 'Maine's treasures,' artist- illustrator, Dahlov Ipcar. Recently my daughter Juniper & I had the pleasure of meeting sweet Dahlov & having a hand full of her wonderful books signed!

We had the above 3 books signed, & own 3 more - with plans, wants, & wishes to collect as many as we can. Dahlov has over 30 children's books published! The illustrations in each of these books are all rich with color, style, & pattern. All things that I love, but besides the beautiful imagery, the stories are all really charming, lovely, & well written.

To make things even more exciting! We not only had the great honor of sitting and chatting with Dahlov Ipcar, but Juniper & I's moment together with her was captured and published by a local paper - here in 'The Coastal Journal.'

You can read the article online as a pdf @the costaljournal.com. This is certainly something I'll be saving for the ol' scrapbook! Something we will cherish, along with her signed books, for years to come!

Ipcar is a true inspiration to me, with her nearly 70 year long career of creating absolutely beautiful work. Her legacy of children's books, as well as her paintings being in the permanent collections of the Metropolitan, & the Whitney. Her success & accomplishments are something this aspiring Maine artist dreams of.

The above two images (& 3rd below) are by Winkey Lewis from an article written by Susan Conely for mainemagazine.com.

-'...She tells me a secret: “There is the artist life and then there is the doing of the art.” She chose the latter. “The art is why I’m still alive." -

It's a really beautiful article that I personally really enjoyed. It gives you an inside peak into Dahlov's life, home, & studio. I particularly loved the visual it paints of Daholv's parents & her upbringing. I highly suggest you head over here and read this next!

And with all that, I now leave you with these pictures of my daughter Juniper enjoying her copy of 'The Calico Jungle.' Completely unprompted, amongst many other options, this book is easily her new favorite. My girl has good taste! <3 n

Mildred Johnson

November 20, 2014

This past weekend I had the pleasure of 'picking' from an artist's dream of a yard sale.

Mildred Johnson, an incredible assemblage artist, is retireing at the age of 82 & has been collecting, building, and producing all of her life.

“I honestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t making art. As a kid I used to find scraps of wood and other junk and make my own toys, so my interest in building has been with me for a long time. I guess I’ve never really grown up – I’m still playing with found materials – and I still feel the excitement of discovery that I remember as a child.” - Mildred Johnson

Mildred Johnson, Triptolemous, found object assemblage, 21"x11"x6" — Mildred Johnson, *Triptolemous*, found object assemblage, 21"x11"x6"

Mildred Johnson, Calliope, found object assemblage, 22"x12"x7" — Mildred Johnson, *Calliope*, found object assemblage, 22"x12"x7"

Her studio(s), located in the Fort Ando's Mill in Brunswick Maine, opened their doors to starry eyed artists & collectors alike as a 'Not your everyday yard sale.' For me unfortunately, it was a perfect example of early bird gets the worm, I arrived two hours after first start, but I was still able to pick up some great papers - art supplies & a few beautiful, rusty, treasure relics.

I am especially excited about this BEAUTIFUL, organic, dried seaweed type, piece I found. I'm feeling particularly inspired to make a special painting just to showcase it, I can already envision it & can't wait to work on it. Score.

It is a bit sad, that that treasure trove of an artist studio is closed. Though I am confident that art making runs deep in Mildred Johnson & neither age nor retirement will stop her from seeing art in everyday objects. She certainly has left a legacy of work behind that people will be able to enjoy for years to come. Really very beautiful.

In Mildred's Studio. Image borrowed from http://shoplucilles.blogspot.com — In Mildred's Studio. Image borrowed from http://shoplucilles.blogspot.com