Project Tag: Nicola McLean

I’m an Irish artist living in the far north of Scotland. When it comes to painting I find inspiration from so many different directions – the animals we share the planet with, landscapes, both urban and natural, and even just the ordinary, everyday moments in life – all these things can spark the idea for a painting. I especially like little details such as the pattern of lights reflecting on water or the reflection in an animal’s eyes and it’s those elements that I aim to reimagine with a vibrant palette and a vivid imagination.

Although I am not solely an animal artist, as someone who is passionate about animals they do feature in many of my paintings. I am part of a collaboration of vegan artists called The Art of Compassion and we use our artwork to raise awareness and funds for various charities who advocate a vegan lifestyle for the sake of the animals and the planet we share with them. I have also used my artwork to raise funds and awareness for endangered animals and the charities who work to protect them.

Working predominantly in acrylic ink and paint, I’ve found that regardless of the subject matter I am quite often drawn to include a little whimsy or an element of surrealism in my work and love to use as colourful a palette as possible, when the subject allows, perhaps a little artistic rebellion against the seemingly increasing darkness of the world we live in these days.

Nicola’s Website: artbynicolamclean.com