East Gallery
Christopher Nick
Capturing the Heart
April 2 thru June 3, 2007
When
Oklahoma City illustrator Christopher Nick talks to school students
he tells them that it is imperative that they pursue what is in their
hearts. “When I was in grade school, I was never given the opportunity
to study or do art. I had no idea that telling stories through my art
could bring such satisfaction,” said Nick.
Nick describes his style as vintage Americana and tells his stories in a timeless manner. “One of my favorite artists is Vermeer and I admire the innocence, charm and simplicity of his work. Each piece is a little miracle. I choose to portray the beauty in our everyday life and offer images that all of us can appreciate and enjoy.”
Born and raised in rural Oklahoma, Nick received his formal art training
at the Atelier LeSueuer in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Nick refined his
skills by copying old master paintings in the collection of the Minneapolis
Institute of Arts. After completing several highly finished copies,
he continued his training by apprenticing in the studio of the national
illustrator Mike Wimmer and became his full time assistant before branching
out on his own as a full time professional artist.
As
an illustrator and painter of portraits, his images have been published
on book covers, children’s books, figurines, textiles, puzzles,
ceramics, calendars, greeting cards and magazines. His paintings have
been exhibited throughout the United States and are owned by Hollywood
celebrities, the Oklahoma State Senate, corporate headquarters and
many private collections. His work has been featured in American
Artist Magazine and he is a current member of the National American
Portrait Society.
In 2001, he was chosen by First Lady Cathy Keating to paint the state’s
Official Oklahoma Governor’s Christmas Card. The original oil
titled “Believe” is now in the collection of the Governor’s
Mansion. His most recent advertising campaign has been with McDonalds
and Dr. Pepper’s 35th anniversary poster. Nick’s current
collectable plate market series of dog breeds has topped well over
100,000 plates sold.
You can see more of Nick’s work at www.cnickstudio.com.
Sponsored by the Oklahoma Arts Council. For more information contact Scott Cowan at 405.521.2931 or scott@arts.ok.gov.
The East Gallery is located on the 1st floor of the State Capitol and open daily from 8:00-5:30.