Q&A with Local Artist, Nicole Schmitz
Artist Nicole Schmitz shares her passion for art and the beautiful scenes of the Lowcountry which she portrays with loose brushstrokes and layering of color. We love hearing from our artists who make up Affordable Art of Charleston! Learn more about Nicole in her Q&A below.
Tell us about yourself:
Hey y’all! I’m Nicole, and I’m honored to be a part of the talented group of artists represented at Affordable Art of Charleston. I grew up on the northern coast of South Carolina, which shaped a lot of my personal style in art and in life.
While attending the University of South Carolina, I studied business with a focus in marketing, but continued to develop my creative side with a minor in Fine Art. I now have the absolute pleasure of working with an amazing physical therapy company in SC as their marketing director, while still fulfilling my dream of being a professional artist.
I am married to my husband, Zach, for almost 2 years now, and am the home to 7 (yes, 7) rescue kitties, currently residing in Columbia, SC but definitely hoping to move back to the coast in the near future!
Tell us how you got started in art?
I have been drawing since before I can remember. I was always extremely active in any art class in school and continued my education with a fine art focus as a minor when attending college. Art has always been a part of my life.
How would you describe your art?
My style could be described as a modern take on impressionism. I have been told my work can be confused for watercolor at times (I use acrylic paint), but I love a loose brushstroke and layering of colors. I utilize bright colors to elicit the many hues of landscapes and structures as well.
What inspires you?
My home. I am so lucky to have been raised in such a beautiful corner of the world, and it has shaped my work immensely.
Which artists inspire you?
Ooh, that’s a tough one. There are so many artists’ work I see on a daily basis, and so many have had a part in shaping the work I produce today. I guess I’d have to point out the obvious old masters- Claude Monet, Renoir, Edgar Degas- the pillars of impressionism.
What do you love about working in the Charleston Art Community?
The Charleston art community is truly inspiring. It’s so wonderful to see so many artists- whether they are more traditional oil painters or modern sculptors of recycled bottles- there is always something unique and exquisite on every corner.
How does Charleston inspire you?
The colors, the culture- the overall atmosphere of Charleston has allowed my creativity to grow in ways it wouldn’t have if I had lived in different areas of the country. I’m truly thankful to be able to delve into everything Charleston has to offer whenever I’d like and pull from its beauty to create art.
What is your current favorite piece that you have done?
My favorite piece is actually the piece that started my professional art career. It is a self-portrait of my husband and I on our wedding day. In all honesty- it’s certainly not my best. Possibly even one of my worst from a technical standpoint. But, it is the first piece I had the courage to show and really catapulted my career, so for that, I will always treasure it and leave it the way it was intended.
Any new pieces that you are working on that stand out?
My favorite piece of a newer summer collection I’m working on is the “Shrimp Boat Marina”. I love color, but I’ve really been pushing my comfort zone when it comes to incorporating cooler tones yet bright colors into a piece. This was the first large-scale piece I have done while really exploring color theory.
What is the most difficult part about being an artist?
The most difficult part of being an artist, for me, is finding where my work fits in and finding my “niche”. Art is so personal, and every piece is an extension of that artist, so making sure the art is truly something created from me while still appealing to a collector can be intimidating.
What is the best part about being an artist?
So many things! The best part would have to be the fact that I am living out a dream of mine that I had as a child. Growing up, so many educators discouraged anything in the arts as a profession, so I never thought I would be able to pursue art as a career. The fact I can create paintings from my heart and people collect them is an absolute dream come true.
What are your favorite pieces at Affordable Art of Charleston?
Too many to choose from! I really love Shelby LeBlanc’s big canvases with bright colors, and the iconic Charleston scenes she paints, so really any of her pieces. From the pieces I have in the gallery, I’m really into Rainbow Harbor. It’s my “signature” bright, unconventional colors for the boats against the natural blue Carolina coast. I love any work that really makes a color statement!
Why do you love working with Affordable Art of Charleston?
Just the honor of having my work next to so many other talented artists is a dream. Carol knows so much about the art scene in Charleston and truly picks unique pieces to be displayed, so I’m honored to be a part of her collection.