Collection: Nicole Kennedy

“I cannot remember when I didn’t draw. My formative school years were spent doodling in the margins. Having grown up with restaurateurs, I am by nature drawn to people and have acquired a lifelong habit of observing those around me. Which explains why I am enamored with street scenes and figures in their environment whether on beaches, in rodeos or at cafes, subjects with a narrative flair. In addition I love the energy and spontaneity of painting from life. My focuses is on the pursuit of excellence and the process of a creative challenge each time I step up to the blank canvas" Nicole

MERITS & AWARDS - Nicole has been juried into numerous national exhibits in person and online winning prestigious awards for her artwork: American Impressionist Society (Southwest Art Magazine Award 2011), Signature member status AIS 2017, National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society (Honorable mention 2020 and Figurative Award of Excellence 2016), and Women Painters of the Southeast (Outstanding Figurative 2016). Nicole has been juried into Oil Painters of America National exhibit 2024, and Eastern Regional and OPA Salon exhibits many times over the years. In addition Nicole has exhibited in Salmagundi Club venue via Allied Artists of America and National Audubon Artists Society (winning Jack Richeson Award of Excellence 2009 and A. Crimi Oil Award 2012).

PUBLISHED CREDITS - Nicole has been featured and highlighted in various national and regional publications: Fine Arts Connoisseur feature on children in art, Artists & Galleries of the South Magazine, American Art Collector, Midtown Magazine (Raleigh) Fall Issue highlight 2020, cover & interview Wakefield Living Magazine 2018, featured artist & interview in the beautiful Southern publication: Wrightsville Beach Magazine 2004 and 2018.

OTHER MENTIONS: Nicole established Nicole’s Studio & Gallery in Raleigh which represented many artists over 18 years and was the #1 Gallery in NC for art workshops with national instructors

Art Education- Nicole has had the opportunity to continue her art education with nationally acclaimed artists/instructors: Quang Ho, Robert Liberace, Dawn Whitelaw, Kim English, John Poon, Lori Putnam, David Dunlop, Patrick Saunders, Patrick Lee amongst others.