Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in arts but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Eva Nichols, a Watercolor Artist and Art Instructor based in Truckee, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I sell my paintings through local and regional galleries. Additionally, I teach watercolor workshops both locally, as well as regionally, and internationally. I also teach online through YouTube, Skillshare, and Podia, where I have my own watercolor academy.
Tell us about yourself
I was born in Denmark and grew up on a farm in Jutland. I was always interested in art; however, when I declared I wanted to be an artist, my father reminded me that there was a reason for the expression "starving artist," so I decided to pursue other career choices! I had a career in international marketing and also taught languages at several vocational schools in Denmark before moving to California in 1988.
Originally I started painting with watercolors because I wanted to be able to paint little sketches as part of my travel journals when I started going on kayak expeditions and adventure travels around the world years ago. Since then, I have completely fallen in love with this fluid and expressive medium – it's always challenging, and I am constantly learning new methods of expressing different moods and motifs.
Mainly nature – water – landscapes – flowers, and birds inspire me. I paint both plein air as well as in my studio, but I do prefer painting in my studio. Sometimes I make up scenes from my imagination. Other times I try to convey what I see and feel. You can always recognize my bold use of colors. If I had to describe my style, I would call myself an impressionistic colorist.
Over the last decade, I have dedicated as much time as my busy life allows to exploring and learning from many different teachers and mentors. I have won numerous awards, which have inspired me further to keep painting! I love sharing the skills I have learned over the years, so I started teaching watercolor classes during my Artist In Residence stay at Mendocino Art Center in 2009-10. Since I already had teaching experience from my previous life in Denmark, it was a natural progression for me.
When I moved to Truckee, CA, from The Monterey Peninsula after a sabbatical year as an Artist In Residence and extensive travels exploring the World in 2009-10, I knew that the High Sierra's beautiful landscapes would hold endless inspiration for my future works. I have indeed found my "forever" home in the mountains around Truckee, CA, where I am an active participant in the local art scene.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Some of my proudest moments have been getting invited to be an artist in Residence at Saint Mary's Art Center in Virginia City, NV, in 2015 and teaching a watercolor workshop in China in 2019. My latest accomplishment was an art exhibit in Gallery Engholm last summer (2022) in Middelfart, Denmark. It was my first ever art exhibit in Denmark, and I was blown away by the support and interest I received.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
One of the many challenges of being an artist and solo entrepreneur is that you have to wear a lot of different "hats," and often, it cuts into your studio and painting time. I especially find the online marketing and social media part of my business very time-consuming. There are never enough hours in the day, and you have to learn to "protect" your creative time. It's important to know yourself and when you are most creative so you don't schedule more "left-brain" activities when you should take advantage of feeling energized and creative. It's a constant struggle.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
To get any business off the ground, you need to define your goals. Set a timeline, and break it down into small steps. When I feel overwhelmed, I tell myself: "First this, then that." Don't try to do everything at once. My step-by-step list:
- Define your goals.
- Set a timeline.
- Break it down into manageable, small steps.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.evanicholsart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eva.s.nichols
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanicholskunst/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evastramernichols/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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