My name is Niki Nolden. I am an Artist/Illustrator from Essex, UK.

I create good quality, unique, non-digital artwork pieces. I produce a lot of portrait commissions of mainly pets & people, but I also enjoy painting landscapes too. I am fairly flexible in the approach to my work and love looking for new ideas and challenges!

I am Art School trained and I studied Fine Art, Illustration and 3D Design. After discovering the love of Illustration at art school, I worked for a book publishers in London.

Although I have an Illustrative background, with a knowledge of various techniques used to produce artwork for illustrative purposes, I have interests in other areas. I took a career break to start a family and gradually as life wasn't getting in the way as much, planned to rekindle my art career, but in 2017 I was diagnosed with Melanoma, and ended up having three quite major surgeries.

It was whilst recovering from my surgeries, I came across the charity ReSurge Africa. I had always had the idea of connecting with charities to give something back through my artwork sales and ReSurge Africa really inspired me, especially after my cancer surgery. I realised how lucky I was to receive such excellent healthcare and want to give something back to others less fortunate; helping them receive the same standard of care. I donate a percentage of my artwork sales directly to ReSurge Africa

(See more info. click on the link : -resurgeafrica.org. for more on their work)

I'd like to thank also Mr Odhran Shelley, Resurge Africa's Chairman and plastic surgery consultant. He very kindly helps me connect with the charity. 

 At present, I mainly paint and draw artwork commissions, mostly from customer photos and in various mediums, such as watercolour, oils or pencil. I have been particularly enjoying working in pencil and oils, which I think will always be my preferred choice of medium. 

Apart from commissioned work I get involved in other illustrative projects from time to time and sometimes exhibit locally. Painting and drawing will always be my passion. It gives me incredible fulfilment and so does helping others. My mission as an Artist is to improve the welfare of others by giving something back through my artwork. I aspire to be part of a journey that creates a better world and helps to make it a happier more colourful place to be!