The Gaudie "Palette LIfe - Nicole Porter" by FIona Lawson published in November 2012
Press and Journal "Artists Unite To Work Together" published in July 2012
Ctrl.Alt.Defeat Online Magazine “Nicole Porter” by Grant Fisken online in May 2012
Evening Express “Getting To Art Of Aberdeen” by Rita Brown published in December 2011
The Artist Magazine “It's Been An Exciting Year” published in August 2011
The Bridge Magazine “Nicole Porter” by Hilary McNally, published in June 2011
Press and Journal “Commendation for Young North-East Artist's Work” by Alistair Beaton, published on the 4th of May 2011
Press and Journal “Old College Friends In The Frame” by Alistair Beaton, published on the 1st of April 2011
Press and Journal “Styles Mix is potent at Porter Gallery” by Roddy Phillips, published on the 11th of February 2011
Press and Journal “Aberdeenshire Artist Launches Showcase” by Alistair Beaton, published on the 5th of February 2011
The Inverurie Advertiser “New Gallery for Local Artist” by David Porter, published in September 2010
Artists and Illustrators Magazine “An Odd Experience” by Nicole Porter, published in June 2009
The Advertiser, "Local Artists Put on Best Show Yet" by David Porter, published on the 19th of March 2010
E-magazine in Norway, posted on Thursday 16th of May
Press and Journal “Nicole finds inspiration in Norway” published on the 9th May 2009.
Evening Express, “Artist Nicole Lands Top Residency” published on the 11th of June 2008.
Press and Journal, “Inverurie Artist lands place in top studio” article by Alistair Beaton, published on the 7th of June 2008.
Contact Magazine, “Celebrating A New Generation of Talent” June 2008 Edition.
The Scotsman, Visual arts review – “Seeking Out Their Niche In The World” article by Susan Mansfield, published on the 23rd of May 2008.
The Herald, “Young High Fliers With Feathers In Their Caps” article by Jack Mottram, published on the 16th of May 2008.
Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, School of Fine Art News Page for other articles posted:
Artists and Illustrators Magazine “In Perspective, Can You Guess Who It Is Yet?” published December 2007.
Artists and Illustrators Magazine “Self-Portraiture Competition In Conjunction With The Royal Society of Portrait Painters” published November 2007.
The Gaudie "Palette Life - Nicole Porter"by Fiona Lawson published in November 2012
This week Fiona Lawson focuses on the art queen of King Street. You may or may not be aware of the bright purple art gallery on King Street; this is “home” to Nicole Porter. I first met Porter a year or so ago when I stopped by her studio-come-gallery and ended up in the midst of a fairly lengthy chat about art and all such things. Aside from her impeccable artistic talent, what struck me the most was how genuinely gracious she was, and also how adorably fluffy her little dog was. Born in Ellon, she graduated with a first class honours in Fine Art from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee and since then her repertoire has gone from strength to strength. Art was not necessarily her first choice as a career path – a possibility was Law at Aberdeen University – however a good art teacher in school encouraged her to apply to art school. After graduating in 2008 she moved to Norway and worked alongside Odd Nerdrum who is a figurative painter that emulates the workings of Rembrandt and Caravaggio. On the guidance Nerdrum had given her, Porter’s response was that her had taught her how to effectively use a colour palette by simply using red, black, yellow and white which, as Porter says, is brilliant for flesh tones. Porter’s oil painting Odd Nerdrum’s Palette is quite likely an ode to her former mentor. A year later Porter and Nerdrum continued their self-directed studies in Paris, and shortly afterwards, Porter moved to New York to become an assistant to Steven Assael; a contemporary figurative painter with an eye for naturalism and romanticism. During her time in New York, Porter enrolled at the prestigious Art Students League School, which she describes as “an insanely hectic schedule, which started at 8am and didn’t stop until 3am every day of the week.” Porter’s time in Norway, Paris and New York was made viable through the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation, which awards grants to artists as an aid for development and recognition. However, his is just one award in a list of several granted to Porter. For someone who is only 26 years old, to have accomplished so much already is a testament to her dedication and is very evident within her workings. The character and likeness of the two young girls in Two Peas In A Pod is so lifelike that you almost wonder how anyone could achieve that level of skill. Porter manipulates the oil paints to create the perfect texture and tone of the long flowing hair. This can also be seen in her Athena and At Odds paintings, which are both self-portraits. When speaking of portraiture, porter believes that it is the hardest art form to master. I completely understand why; not only are you putting paint to canvas, but you are also attempting to paint a personality. Whilst Porter may prefer oil paints, I love the craftsmanship of her graphite pencil drawings, in particular Wish You Were Here and The Art of Seeing, of which she describes as having “a childlike and organic quality.” Her eye for detail is impeccable and she manages to capture the light so well. When I asked her what sort of advice she would give to any aspiring artists, Porter replied, “it takes a lot of time to develop your practice into something which is presentable never mind sellable. My advice to students wanting to go into the art world would be to draw as much as possible, every spare minute draw and practice!” As well as her own work, Porter also exhibits other established and emerging artists within her gallery which are very often worthy of a look. She also provides one-to-one tuition and group classes for a variety of ages, abilities and mediums, in addition to commissions. All of the paintings I have mentioned are available to view on her website www.nicoleporter.co.uk, but I strongly recommend for you to drop by the gallery on King Street and meet Nicole Porter for yourself in order to see her artistic flair first hand. She is such a welcoming individual and I wish her every success in what she does.
Press and Journal "Artists Unite To Work Together" published in July 2012
A network of artists in the east end of Aberdeen have collectively rebranded the area the city’s “creative quarter.” Representatives of galleries, studios, workshop spaces and businesses say they want to create a new focus for the local artistic community. Peacock Visual Arts, the Artists Pad, Aberdeen Artists Society, Aberdeen Arts Centre, The Nicole Porter Gallery and Rapport Tattoo Studio are among the organisations in the area, which stretches from the Castlegate at the east end of Union street, along Justice Street and King Street. Nicole Porter, who grew up in Ellon but has spent time living and working alongside artist in New York and Paris, said there was a growing level of interest in creative activities in the Granite City. She said: “It is quite an individual practice being an artist, but I think it is becoming more and more popular for artists to work together. It definitely makes a difference. “People coming to the area can plan a few cultural events to visit. There are also a lot of events and workshops that appeal to artists.” Kenneth Flavill, who runs the Artists Pad in Castlegate, said the idea was to try and “re-invent” the east end and realise its potential. He said: “If Aberdeen is to be taken seriously in tits quest for UK City of Culture 2017, then it is vital we start working with the creative community by providing a central hub from which ideas can be discussed to enable local enterprise to evolve.” The Nicole Porter Galley is hosting an exhibition titled Mastering The Art – Copies form Aberdeen Art Gallery, which runs until August 4.
Ctrl.Alt.Defeat Online Magazine “Nicole Porter” by Grant Fisken online in May 2012
Walking down King Street trying to shield yourself from the buffeting gale-force wind in the hope you will avoid the vast puddles that litter the pavements, it is easy to see why many people, even locals, see Aberdeen as grey and dreary. Even in spring. “I like Aberdeen. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.” As the Castlegate draws closer there is a sudden break in the seemingly endless line of granite shops and flats. A vibrant purple exterior provides a welcoming relief from the driving rain. It is the entrance to The Nicole Porter Gallery, the base and showcase for a young artist and gallery owner bearing her name. “Aberdeen is a place that has a lot to offer,” she says. “It’s got the beach, it’s got the mountains, it’s got the city scene. You know, even when it’s chucking it down the beach is still gorgeous. I just really, really like it. I’d rather be here than Paris or New York.” That isn’t a throwaway remark. She means it, having lived in both cities on her journey to learn the skills to become a professional artist. Upon graduating from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, Porter went to Norway to study with and assist figurative painter Odd Nerdrum. This led to a four month stint working in Nerdrum’s Paris studio before uprooting to New York to learn from Steven Assael, one of her favourite representational artists. “Going abroad was essential. It broadens your horizons and I met loads of different people. It makes you aware of the art scenes in other places and maybe what’s lacking or what could happen in Aberdeen. Now I have a gallery I control, it makes me think, if an exhibition can work in New York or Paris, why can’t it work here? It’s always good to see what else is going on. You don’t get the same effect just by looking online, you need to be there and see it.” It would be easy to imagine the path from art school to gallery owner via Europe and North America would have been Nicole Porter’s lifelong ambition. However, the reality is somewhat different. “I had always liked drawing, but I wasn’t like ‘I want to be an artist’, it just ended up being that way. I never even picked art at school. The head of the art department took me out of classes and sat me in his office explaining why it was important to pick art as a subject. So I chose French instead! But after about a month I was thinking ‘what have I done?’” The most clichéd of thinkers would have you believe everyone has their “sliding doors” moment in their life where one decision could completely alter the future. For Nicole, it was what to do when she finished school and whether she would end up in a courtroom or a studio. “My UCAS form was a total mish-mash of subjects. I had got into law but thought I’d send a cheeky application to art school since I had ended up doing a portfolio at school, and if I got in maybe I should give it a go because I’d regret it if I didn’t. I got in and that was it. I didn’t really think about what I was letting myself in for, I just thought art sounds more fun than law!” The Nicole Porter Gallery opened in September 2010 and shows exhibitions of other artists work and occasionally exhibitions of her own work. She also conducts classes in the gallery’s studio. So as well as being artist, gallery owner and teacher, you could add entrepreneur. Just don’t say that to her face. “I don’t like words or terms that sound like they belong in The Apprentice,” she jokes. “It was my mum’s idea to open a gallery. I wasn’t so sure at first. I am an organised person and organised artist. I always think from the artist’s point of view, which is maybe not how other galleries operate but I think it’s an advantage in some ways because other artists trust and rely on you. My family is involved in the gallery so much I rely on them for the business heads rather than relying on my own!” So what is next for The Nicole Porter Gallery? A grand five year plan? Expansion? More travel? “I’ll probably decide on what I’m going to have for lunch,” she laughs. “I plan the next exhibition or show but there’s no long-term plan. You just don’t know what’s going to happen or what life will throw at you, so what’s the point in planning?” As it’s time to leave Nicole to continue work on her latest creation, there’s one final thought to that “sliding doors” moment. If she had chosen law, would she have eventually ended up as an artist anyway? “Probably not,” she concedes. “Though I’m a competitive person and want to be the best in anything and everything I do, so I would have probably want to be the best lawyer in the world.” Although said tongue-in-cheek, with that attitude behind her it would be hard to see The Nicole Porter Gallery going anywhere other than from strength to strength.
Evening Express "Getting To Art Of Aberdeen" by Rita Brown published in December 2011
He has grandchildren her age – and she read about his generation in the history books. But now two North East artists are bridging their age gap through art. Creative minds Nicole Porter and Eric Auld have joined forces to produce a new exhibition – Two Artists One City. The 25-year-old and 80-year-old linked up after Nicole opened her self-titled gallery on King Street. The city centre resident, who grew up in Ellon, reached out to Eric after she studied her craft in Norway, Paris and New York. “When I returned from New York I saw the city with new eyes,” the young entrepreneur said. “It just seemed a lot more beautiful to me now than when I left.” Before jetting around the globe Nicole had always admired Eric’s talent. “I felt so inspired by his work and the city I had to do something,” she said. And Eric, who has more than 60 years of experience in his field, was delighted to work with Nicole – nearly six decades his junior. “It was splendid having connected with someone, who was inspired by similar things and whose talent is exceptional,” the grandad-of-six said. The impressive collection of canvasses feature stunning snow scenes, a glimpse of the dazzling Northern Lights and beautiful aerial views. Aberdeen is brimming with inspiration and a wealth of picture-perfect shots, according to Nicole. “I just think the city is stunning, absolutely stunning,” she said. “It’s beautiful regardless of what the weather is like.” Both Nicole and Eric admired Marischal College as an artistic focal point in the city. “I just think it sparkles and it’s something the community should be proud of,” she said. “I think we should have every corner of Aberdeen covered between the two of us,” she added. But even more impressive than the city’s architectural appeal was Eric’s abundance of knowledge. “I think because he is so young at hear it’s like working with a peer,” Nicole said. “But then there’s the fact that he’s so well established. You have to look up to him because of the quality of his work and the experience he’s got in this corner.” The exhibition will run at The Nicole Porter Gallery until January 28.
The Artist Magazine "It's Been An Exciting Year" published in August 2011
Nicole Porter recounts how she aimed to avoid the credit crunch and expand her horizons by opening her own gallery and studio. It was an inspired decision. When, aged 23, I suddenly returned home to Aberdeen from living in New York and was posed with the question of what next? The economy was in disarray and the prospect of being a full time artist didn’t look as picturesque as I had perhaps naively imagined – in the austere economic climate galleries seemed to be clinging on by making a few sales of their most established artists. Decision Time: I needed to confirm myself as the professional artist I felt I was, but that goal would not be achieved painting in solitary confinement in the spare room of my parents’ house. It was my Mum who suggested I take my future into my own hands and create an open studio and gallery myself. Although at first the idea seemed ridiculous and totally inconceivable, but after fully contemplating the concept I thought, why not? I had all the experience necessary: I had worked part time in a local gallery for three years; had undertaken an internship at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh as part of my third year of art school; and worked for eight months in a cultural centre in Norway that showcased the nation’s most successful creators. Setting up: The first task was to find the right location and I eventually secured the perfect retail unit on Aberdeen’s bustling King Street. The process of renovating and converting the shop into a gallery and studio space while trying to get to grips with the alien concept of business matters made for a steep learning curve. I was knocking down walls one day and sourcing fittings the next, all the while dealing with banks, insurance companies and tradesman. It was a hectic period, with little if no time to spend drawing or painting. Finally the gallery, with my first-ever proper studio, was ready to open in September 2010. The idea was that visitors to the gallery could engage in a unique opportunity to view the work in an exhibition environment while also witnessing the creative processes at first hand. Opportunities: With a crowded gallery, the first night was not only a success in terms of sales, but also a great celebration of what had been achieved. Several months on, I have settled into my new life as a professional artist and gallery owner and can honestly say it was the best thing I have ever done. Alone, the interaction alone has made the whole venture worthwhile: each has their own opinion, and their comments on the works in progress provide much valued feedback that inevitably influences the decision-making processes. Another bonus is that there are opportunities and commissions, which wouldn’t necessarily materialise if I were painting in a more private studio. I have also been able to build a community: of students who wish to study with me; members of the public who wish to learn about art; and artists who wish to show their work. Challenges: Of course, having your door always open can mean that I can be interrupted at any time and, after spending time with a visitor, it can be difficult to regain concentration. Then, as a gallery owner, I obviously have to organise exhibitions, which in turn reduces the amount of time I have to make my own work. However the positives do far outweigh the negatives. No doubt there will be challenges that continue to test me in my still relatively new venture. I hope to be able to make the most of any prospective opportunities and commissions while still having the time to produce my own work. Furthermore, I hope to continue to enlighten people. Not only the students in how to draw and paint, but also the general public in how to understand what is good and bad in art and to appreciate skill and craftsmanship. I am currently in the process of writing my first book on my experiences of art school; studying under Odd Nerdrum in Norway and Paris; my travels to New York and the endeavours of setting up my own art gallery.
The Bridge Magazine "Nicole Porter" by Hilary McNally, published in June 2011
It’s hard to believe award winning artist and now gallery owner Nicole Porter graduated from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design a mere three years ago. Since obtaining a first class honours degree in Fine Art in the summer of 2008 the young Aberdonian has worked with leading artists in Europe and the USA and carved out an already successful career of her own. Last year she opened her own studio and gallery in the centre of Aberdeen and this year her largest work to date, an oil on canvas triptych painting entitled Burns Supper won a commended award at the Aberdeen Artists Society Exhibition. Even before the end of her studies Nicole had won a swathe of awards including two Elizabeth Greenshields Foundtion Grants, the Artists and Illustrators Magazine Self-Portraiture competition, the Farquhar Reid Trust Art Prize, the David Gordon Memorial Trust Award at the Royal Scottish Academy Student Exhibition and second prize at the second prize at the Boundary Gallery Figurative Art Prize. It was her first Elizabeth Greenshields Award which allowed Nicole to travel to Norway in 2008 just weeks after graduation to work with legendary Norwegian figurative artist Odd Nerdrum. "I was the first Scottish student to be invited in Odd’s residency programme,” explained Nicole. “I spent eight months at his international artist’s community. I had great fun there and I learned a lot. It was a great experience. My fourth year at DJCAD was quite intense as I wanted to get a first so I just put my head down and worked for the whole year. “Going to Norway after that was quite refreshing. Working as Odd’s assistant meant I had to focus on things other than my own work. I prepared canvases, edited a 600 page book for him. “When I was in Dundee it was more about finding out what kind of artist you wanted to be but in Norway it was about learning more traditional techniques. It changed the way I worked and it was great having so many other artists to interact with.” After eight months Nicole moved to Paris to look after Odd Nerdrum’s châteaux where she had her own studio and free access to the French capital’s treasure trove of inspirational art. She then moved to New York where she spent an intense four months enrolled in the Arts Students League, a traditional pay as you go art school and working as assistant to internationally acclaimed figurative artist Steven Assael. Working and studying in New York without her own studio reinforced Nicole’s appreciation for the facilities she enjoyed at DJCAD. “In Dundee I had a studio and lots of support from staff, lots of freedom to be creative and lots of opportunities to be the artist I wanted to be,” she said. “But you take it for granted and it is not until you don’t have it any more that you really miss it. And working with other artists and seeing other art schools made me realise just how brilliant the facilities in Dundee are. The space and the light are amazing.” Now with her own studio and gallery space in Aberdeen Nicole is maintaining her links with her alma mater. Earlier in the year she staged an exhibition featuring artwork by a number of her former classmates as well as other DJCAD graduates and staff members. Dundee Collected brought together 11 artists including five who shared a studio space with Nicole at art college. "It was my love of the school and the artists who have studied there that motivated the exhibition,” she said. “And it was great to do, to get everyone together. Dundee is very strong on figurative art and I think the exhibition demonstrated that.”
Press and Journal "Commendation for Young North-East Artist's Work" by Alistair Beaton, published on the 4th of May 2011
An award-winning young north-east artist has won another accolade with her latest work, now on show at Aberdeen Art Gallery. Visitors to the city’s Nicole Porter Gallery were able to see the 10ft by 4ft triptych take shape over the past six months, as 24-year-old artist Nicole Porter worked on the oil on canvas painting in the King Street gallery that is also her studio. She completed The Burns Supper – an atmospheric and striking blend of figurative, still life, land and seascape painting – as her first contender for entry in the annual Aberdeen Artists Society Exhibition. The picture received a commendation and is now among selected works in the show that continues until May 28. The ex-Ellon Academy pupil, whose home is at Whitemyres Croft, Daviot, near Inverurie, graduated with a first-class honours degree from Dundee’s Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and went to study with world-renowned painter Odd Nerdrum in Norway and later Paris. She began The Burns Supper after returning from New York to open her own gallery. The Dundee Collected exhibition of works by artists who have either worked or studied at Duncan of Jordanstone continues until the end of this week at The Nicole Porter Gallery.
Press and Journal "Old College Friends In The Frame" by Alistair Beaton, published on the 1st of April 2011
An award-winning north-east artist will be putting old college friends in the frame in her own Aberdeen gallery throughout this month. The Nicole Porter Gallery in King Street launches its latest exhibition, Dundee Collected, tomorrow. Artworks from 11 artists who have either worked or studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee will be on show until April 30. The artist from Whitemyres Croft at Daviot, near Inverurie, graduated with a first-class honours degree from the college and went on to study with internationally renowned painter Odd Nerdrum in Norway and later in Paris. The 24-year-old former Ellon Academy pupil now works from a studio in the gallery where she is a partner and which provides a city centre showcase for both established and up-and-coming artists. Among the artists taking part in the latest show are her fellow Dundee graduates Rich Cormack, Jo Fraser, Fraser Gray, Ali Hardy and Camilla Symons. Also exhibiting are Alan Greig and Lisa Murphy along with Karen Esplin and Mel Shand who has been well known for her paintings and drawings for the past 25 years. Miss Porter, who is showing large-scale paintings based on art school life, said: “A love for Duncan of Jordanstone among the artists who have studied there as motivated the creation of the exhibition and brought Dundee Collected to Aberdeen.”
Press and Journal "Styles Mix is potent at Porter Gallery" by Roddy Phillips, published on the 11th of February 2011
Young Aberdeenshire-born artist Nicole Porter has created a very smart single-space gallery in King Street, Aberdeen. A graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone, Porter revels in heightened realism and she has created trademark pieces for the gallery that reveal themselves like gentle practical jokes. A fresh copy of the Press and Journal has been posted through the letterbox, a cat pokes its head through the cat-flap, a mouse toys with the idea of bolting from the skirting board, all of which are superb original paintings by Porter. An arresting large self-portrait has been cleverly positioned behind the reception desk so that Porter can at least welcome visitors while she paints in the adjoining studio, which is rather generously open to the prying public. The gallery is currently hosting a Members Exhibition, which finds established artists hanging alongside amateur and emerging artists, a sort of small-scale version of the Aberdeen Artists Society annual exhibition. The show is beautifully curated and features a potent mix of traditional and cutting edge. The Members Exhibition runs at The Nicole Porter Gallery at 88 King Street until February 27 and is recommended.
Press and Journal "Aberdeenshire Artist Launches Showcase" by Alistair Beaton, published on the 5th of February 2011
Members of an Aberdeen art gallery that provides a showcase for established and up-and-coming artists will be exhibiting their work this weekend. They will be displaying a striking range of paintings, ceramics and sculpture at The Nicole Porter Gallery from today until February 27. Among those taking part are sculptor Linda Masson, from Newtonhill, and mature artist Helen Brown, of Aberdeen who will be exhibiting for the first time. The showcase for contemporary art was launched recently be award-winning Aberdeenshire artist Nicole Porter. She operates from a studio in the gallery at 88 King Street, Aberdeen, and holds life drawing and portrait classes there. Miss Porter, of Whitemyres Croft, Daviot, said: “I renovated and opened up the old shop to create not just a studio for myself, but an opportunity for any artists to have their work on view. The public seem to love the informality of the set-up, and the chance to see an artist-in-residence in the middle of work.” The 24-year-old former Ellon Academy pupil has been recognised as one of the most promising talents of her generation. She graduated with a first-class honours degree from Dundee’s Duncan of Jordanstone Art School before studying with world-renowned painter Odd Nerdrum in Norway and later in Paris.
Inverurie Advertiser "New Gallery for Local Artist" by David Porter, published in September 2010
Award winning local artist Nicole Porter is embarking on a new venture by opening a fine art gallery. The Nicole Porter Gallery, which is situated in the heart of the city at 88 King Street, Aberdeen, is having a grand opening on Friday 10th September at 7.30pm. The gallery will be home to Nicole’s studio where visitors are invited to gain an insight into the creative processes during the North East Open Studios week from the 11th to the 19th of September. As a former Ellon Academy pupil, she gained a first class honours degree from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee in 2008. She has been awarded many awards including the prestigious Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant, which allowed her to fulfill her dream of studying in Norway for eight months with the world-renowned painter Odd Nerdrum. She then moved to Paris to continue her studies during the summer of 2009 before moving to New York to study with American artists Steven Assael, Michael Grimaldi, Costa Vavagiaski and Frank Porcu. Nicole says…I found in New York that commissioning a portrait is more popular than ever with the residents of the Big Apple wanting their self-image created in this timeless form of art. Nicole hopes to offer the people of Aberdeen this opportunity to be immortalised too. Nicole’s representational paintings, which combine still life and portraiture in a variety of scales, have recently been awarded her second Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant and the Aberdeenshire Visual Artists Award. She is also a member of the Gordon Forum for the Arts where she was awarded the People’s Choice Award at the 2010 open exhibition in Inverurie. A visit to The Nicole Porter Gallery is sure to be a unique experience, so go along to the gallery to see what you think.
Artists and Illustrators Magazine “An Odd Experience” by Nicole Porter, published in June 2009
There comes a time in every person’s life where you are faced with the challenging question what should I do now? Having reached the end of my final year at Duncan of Jordanstone Art School I faced that very question. The options seemed endless – start a “proper” job; enroll in a Masters Course; take the obligatory 21st century gap year or pursue a career in the art world.
As Henry Moore says “There’s no retirement for an artist, it’s your way of living so there’s no end to it”. Although at the ripe old age of 21 I was hardly thinking about retirement I did feel that Henry Moore had hit the nail on the head. That is exactly how I felt. There was no decision to be made – I had to find a way of developing my painting technique.
I arranged to go to New York and investigate the possibility of studying at the New York School of Art. While there my friend, the artist, Ian Scott suggested contacting the world renowned artist Odd Nerdrum to see if he would consider allowing me to become one of his elite group of students. Odd has created an international community in Norway with painters from all over the world coming together to study with their master.
Four months later I opened my email account to discover a reply offering me the opportunity to study alongside the great master at his Norwegian home for a year. I couldn’t believe my luck and I was also extremely honoured to discover that I am the first Scottish painter to have ever been chosen.
Although this was a fantastic opportunity as every struggling artist knows funding is always a problem. Thanks to the Elizabeth Greenshield Foundation this became less of an issue as they awarded me a grant, which enabled me to live and travel to Norway, where the cost of living is extremely high. Fortunately Odd’s offer included free accommodation and studio space along with access to a vehicle, which is extremely generous.
From the moment I arrived in Norway Odd and his family made me feel extremely welcome. The feeling within the community is one of a big family with Odd as the father figure and the students his children. All of the students share similar ideologies towards painting, making this experience a stimulating progression from the art school environment. Everyone helps each other with the development of their individual practice.
Evenings are spent talking about paintings, with the emphasis on work of the Old Masters. My previous experience of such work was limited. There are also philosophy evenings once a week where the students read philosophical text and act out Odd’s plays. As well as being a painter, he is also a very talented writer. Odd has published a number of books and during my stay I was involved in the editing of collection of six short stories entitled “How We Cheat Each Other.”
During my stay in Norway I have been working on a series of self-portrait paintings and drawings of the studio. The painting shown in this article has been my main piece of work, depicting the studio where I have been working. Under Odd’s guidance of using a very limited palette, my technique has improved vastly. I feel this has given my paintings greater harmony in colour, which on my own would have taken years to achieve.
However I continue to use my surrounding as inspiration for my work and have remained true to my own painting style, which I feel is critical for any artist. Artists should have their own identity while still being able to appreciate and learn from the talents and skills of others I will forever be grateful to Odd for giving such a wonderful opportunity to come out to Norway and learn from him and the other students. Maybe I have taught them a few things as well, that’s if they have understood my Scottish accent!
The Advertiser, "Local Artists Put on Best Show Yet" by David Porter, published on the 19th of March 2010
This year’s Gordon Forum for the Arts exhibition has been hailed as one of the most successful by organisers with nearly 400 participants taking part
in the event which ran in Inverurie Town Hall from Friday, March 12 till its close
on Tuesday, March 16. Drawing talent at all levels, from beginners through
to recognised professionals,
the exhibition showcases the work in mediums including photography, painting,
sculpture and textiles from across the North-East…
…The public also have their say during the exhibition with the presentation
of the People’s Choice award, which is voted for by visitors to the exhibition
who
can nominate any piece that is on display that appeals to them personally.
This year the award was won by 23-year-old portrait artist Nicole Porter from
Daviot. A first class honours graduate from Duncan of Jordanstone College of
Art, Nicole has studied in Paris, New York and Norway with several renowned
artists and has
picked up several awards for her work. Commenting on her win Nicole expressed
her delight: “I was really surprised to win this, I’m really glad that a portrait
has won as that hasn’t happened in
quite a while. “This is the first time I have entered since finished my degree
and I am really grateful to all those who voted and to my mum Brenda for being
the model.” Her skills and techniques will be used in the near future to help
other artists as Nicole hopes to set up life study classes in the local area.
E-magazine in Norway, posted on Thursday 16th of May 2009:
http://www.istavern.no/index/nyheter/nicole_porter_stiller_ogsa_ut_pa_gule/
English Translation:
The Nerdrum student, Nicole Porter from Scotland, is exhibiting her drawings in The Yellow Gallery in Stavern.
Nicole is telling us about the exciting time as a student of Odd Nerdrum. I first came here in September 2008 after sending my application to the Forum gallery in New York; they then put me in contact with the Norwegian painter. About the everyday life at Rødvik, Nicole says that most of the day is spent by discussing with Odd and the other students. All the students’ gathers together with Odd and talk about literature, philosophy and his paintings. The rest of the day the students spend their time with a brush or a pencil in their hands. We paint or draw, and Odd guides us. How many students that live with the painter at Rødvik, and how long they are there for, varies. The students come from different countries. We're being treated like guests, and feel very welcome! Nicole says. "It's very educating. One week at Odd's is like four years at an art school," she says. Before she came she had just finished four years of art studying at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design in Dundee, Scotland. Nicole's drawings are filled with details. "I wanted to draw my experiences from Norway. Details are important to me," she says. The time in Norway has gone by fast. "I'm leaving in May," Nicole says. She has been working at The Yellow Gallery on the weekends. "It has been necessary for me to take part in the daily life in Norway." She describes the stay with the master as surreal. "It has been an incredibly interesting and educating experience." If you wish to see more of Nicole's drawings, you can visit The Yellow Gallery in Stavern, where they are hanging on the walls in the cafe.
Press and Journal “Nicole finds inspiration in Norway” published on the 9th May 2009.
A young north-east painter, recognised as one of the most promising talents of her generation, has found new inspiration through studying with one of Norway’s most important artists. Former Ellon Academy pupil Nicole Porter has spent eight months of a year-long residency with Odd Nerdrum at his studio in the southern coastal town of Stavern. This month she will be moving to Paris to continue her work in a studio there while also visiting some of the world’s finest galleries. “ A week at Odd’s studio was like four years at an art school,” said the 22-year-old, who graduated with a first class honours degree in fine art from Dundee’s Duncan of Jordanstone Art School. She also received the Farquhar Reid Trust Prize awarded to the best student painting in oils, having previously won the Artists and Illustrators magazine self-portraiture competition and seeing her work exhibited in London. Over past weeks she has had her recent drawings hung alongside an exhibition of Nerdrum’s works in Norway. The 65-year-old artist has created an international painters’ community in Norway. Only five from hundreds of applicants for residencies there are accepted each year and Miss Porter of Whitemyres Croft, Daviot, is the first Scot to have been chosen. She said she had gained new artistic insight in Norway.
Evening Express, “Artist Nicole Lands Top Residency” published on the 11th of June 2008.
A PRIZE-WINNING Northeast artist is to work with one of Norway’s most acclaimed painters. From September Nicole Porter, 21, of Whitemyres Croft, near Daviot, will begin a year-long residency at Odd Nerdrum’s studio at Stavern. The former Ellon Academy pupil graduates this month from the Duncan of Jordanstone Art School in Dundee with first class honours in fine art. “ I always had an interest in art but it wasn’t until I was accepted by Duncan of Jordanstone Art School that I realized what I could achieve,” she said. Nicole won this year’s Farquhar Reid Trust Art Prize, given to the best student painting in oils. Last year, she won the Artists and Illustrators magazine self-portraiture competition and her work was exhibited in the Royal Society of Portrait Painters’ self-portraiture exhibition in London, alongside art by Rolf Harris. Only five of hundreds of international applicants gain residency places each year. Nicole has also given examples of her work to the Compass Gallery in Glasgow, which will run a new generation show next month.
Press and Journal, “Inverurie Artist lands place in top studio” article by Alistair Beaton, published on the 7th of June 2008.
Young woman will take her skills to Norway. A YOUNG north-east painter has clinched a sought-after residency in the studio of one of Norway’s most innovative and acclaimed artists. Former Ellon Academy pupil Nicole Porter will celebrate her 22nd birthday next month knowing she has been recognised as one of the most promising talents of her generation. At a graduation ceremony on June 19 atthe Caird Hall, Dundee, she will receive a first-class honours degree in fine art after four years of studying. “ I always had an interest in art but it wasn’t until I was accepted by Duncan of Jordanstone Art School that I realised what I could achieve,” she said. Nicole won this year’s Farquhar Reid Trust Art Prize, given to the best student painting in oils. Last year, she won the Artists and Illustrators magazine self-portraiture competition and her work was exhibited in the Royal Society of Portrait Painters’ self-portraiture exhibition in London, alongside art by Rolf Harris, among others. In September, Nicole, from Whitemyres Croft, near Daviot, Inverurie, will begin a year-long stay at Odd Nerdrum’s studio at Stavern. Only five of hundreds of international applicants gain residency places each year. Nicole was in Glasgow yesterday delivering examples of her work for a Compass Gallery new-generation show that will run throughout next month.
Contact Magazine, “Celebrating A New Generation of Talent” June 2008 Edition.
A Degree Of Success
Nicole Porter from Aberdeenshire celebrated an outstanding finale to her four years as a fine art student at the University. As well as obtaining a first class degree the talented 21-year-old artist, who combines portraiture and still life in a representational style, won no less than six top awards including a one-year residency in Norway with the acclaimed Norwegian figurative painter Odd Nerdrum. Other prizes picked up in her final year include the Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation Grant worth £6,000, the Farqhuar Reid Art Prize awarded by Duncan of Jordanstone College, and a David Gordon Trust Award won at the Royal Scottish Academy Student Exhibition earlier this year. She also won the Artists and Illustrators Magazine Self-Portraiture Competition and a second place in the Boundary Gallery Figurative Art Prize, a national competition run by the Boundary Gallery in London. Nicole won the Norwegian residency through a selection process run through the Forum Gallery in New York. She has also had her work widely exhibited this year including at the Boundary Gallery and the Royal Society of Portrait Painters Self-Portraiture Exhibition at the Long Gallery in London, the Royal Scottish Academy Student Exhibition in Edinburgh and the Generator Projects Members Show in Dundee. She will also be taking part in the Compass Gallery’s New Generation Show in Glasgow in July.
The Scotsman, Visual arts review – “Seeking Out Their Niche In The World” article by Susan Mansfield, published on the 23rd of May 2008.
OPENING the degree show season, Duncan of Jordanstone's students stake a claim to future glory with this cornucopia
THE resourcefulness of young artists, using whatever is to hand as a starting point for heir inventiveness, was more than demonstrated by the excellent contributions of artist-run projects to this year's Glasgow International. Now, as Duncan of Jordanstone opens the Scottish degree show season, the enterprising spirit is proved to be as alive in Dundee as in any other city in Scotland. Tutors say this has been a year of self-starters, students prepared to get their sleeves rolled up and get on with whatever it takes to make their art: cajole colleagues into being their models, haggle for scrap metal, procure animal parts…
… Dundee is traditionally strong on figurative work, and this year is no exception: painter Nicole Porter is already chalking up the awards for her large-scale portraits done in the art school.
The Herald, “Young High Fliers With Feathers In Their Caps” article by Jack Mottram, published on the 16th of May 2008.
A funny thing happens at the degree shows. There is so much art, stuffed into every studio, corridor, nook and cranny of the art schools that a viewer's brain can't quite cope. So it attempts to pick out themes; to group artists together and spot trends in a bid to impose order on the chaos. Artists whose work might at first seem to have little in common become kissing cousins, and those whose work stands out set the tone for their peers…
… Then there are Nicole Porter and Fraser Gray, two very different painters who match technical facility with a concern for the process of making work. Porter's realist canvases include self-portraits of her in her studio, charming small-scale paintings of pages in her sketchbook, and a painting of a painting of her fellow graduates in conversation.
Also see Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, School of Fine Art News Page for other articles posted:
http://fineart.dundee.ac.uk/rsa-student-prizewinners/news.jsp?pid=621
Students scoop prizes!
School of Fine Art students have scooped eight of the RSA Annual Student Exhibition prizes! Our students have a long relationship with the RSA through the student exhibition, where work is shown alongside student work from the three other Scottish art colleges, in premier international standard exhibition space. Prizes went to: Ross Brown, Rendezvous Gallery/Linda Clark Nolan Award; Casey Campbell, Peacock Visual Arts Award for Moving Image; Rebecca Lindsay, Scottish Further Education Unit Purchase Prize; Nicole Porter and Camilla Symons, David Gordon Memorial Trust Awards; Joyce T Stewart, RSA Printmaking Prize; Euan Taylor Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop Award; Hayley Wilkinson, RSA Carnegie Traveling Scholarship. The Royal Scottish Academy of Art continues to develop its unique position in Scotland as an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects whose sole purpose is to promote and support the creation, understanding and enjoyment of the visual arts through exhibitions and related educational events. School of Fine Art staff are instrumental to the RSAs development.
http://fineart.dundee.ac.uk/boundary-gallery-prize/news.jsp?pid=646
Boundary Gallery Prize for Nicole Porter
Nicole Porter, final year BA Honours Fine Art student, has won second prize of £1000 in the Boundary Gallery Figurative Art Prize. Joanna Fraser, School of Fine Art BA Honours student, was short-listed and both Nicole and Joanna are exhibiting at the Boundary Gallery in London from 18 April to 3 May 2008. The aim of the prize is to encourage up-and-coming artists at the beginning of their careers, who specialise in figuration. Fifty-two art schools from around the UK were asked to put forward final year undergraduate and postgraduate students and 102 submissions were received. From this, twenty have been chosen to exhibit at the Boundary Gallery.
Artists and Illustrators Magazine “In Perspective, Can You Guess Who It Is Yet?” published December 2007.
Cover star Rolf Harris was on fine form at the recent grand opening of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters’ self-portraiture exhibition. Rolf Harris presented the Bulldog Bursary to Joe Galvin. The Australian painter, performer and presenter was on hand to greet Nicole Porter, the winner of our own self-portraiture competition. Nicole’s painting took pride of place at the London show, with Rolf dubbing it “fabulous.”
Artists and Illustrators Magazine “Self-Portraiture Competition In Conjunction With The Royal Society of Portrait Painters” published November 2007.
EXCELLENT. That was the verdict of the Council of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters about the finalists in our recent self-portrait competition
We had narrowed down the more than 100 entries to 11, choosing a wide range of styles and techniques. The council’s vote on the winner and two runners-up was all but unanimous. Andrew Festing, president of the council, praised all the shortlisted entries. “ The standard is extremely high,” he said. “Quite a number of these would get into the society’s exhibition. They’re a good cross-section of what’s being made now in portrait painting.” Nicole is in her final year at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, where she is studying fine art. The judges praised composition and the detail in the painting. “ It’s quite an amusing composition,” said Andrew Festing. Nicole said she painted it this way because “the space is as much as part of me as anything else.”
