This month, we’re shining a light on Stoke member and resident artist Nikolette Robertson, whose work quite literally brightens our walls. From classical oil painting foundations to moody, light-soaked landscapes, Nikolette brings depth, curiosity, and heart to everything she creates.
Balancing a full-time day job with late-night painting sessions and community-centered art classes, she’s built a creative life rooted in accessibility, experimentation, and joy. Read on to learn more about her journey, what inspires her work, and why making art available to everyone matters so deeply to her.
How did your journey as an artist begin? Was there a specific moment or experience that made you realize this was the path you wanted to pursue?
I always joke that I was born with a paintbrush in my hand. My earliest memories revolve around creating. I was constantly drawing, and painting. My mom tells me she would find rogue crayons and pencils in my pockets. She once missed one of the yellow crayons I had stashed and only realized it when our whites came out of the dryer stained with yellow melted wax. I distinctly remember my very first art hustle at my summer camp selling drawings of dogs and cats for $0.50 per doodle… or a candy bar. It was my high school art teacher who influenced me the most though. She taught me the foundations of classical oil painting and I just couldn’t get enough.
What inspires your work today? Are there themes, experiences, or styles you find yourself returning to?
Light and shadows are what I am most drawn to. I love finding ways to translate a unique glow or moody shadow. I have so many pictures of the sun beaming through grasses and shadows on the pavement saved on my phone. I’ve grown to enjoy creating art that isn’t perfect yet still captures the mood.
You balance a full-time day job with your work as a practicing artist. How do you navigate both worlds?
Navigating a full time day job and being an artist is only possible by thriving on a little bit of chaos, painting late into the night and having the most supportive husband and family! It’s a full family business lol
What routines or habits help you stay creative, even on busy days?
I love playing with new materials and mediums. You can’t forget to find the joy in experimenting. Trying new things gives you permission to not be perfect. If I am in an art rut and can’t find inspiration, I like to create color grids/color palettes. It’s a nice way to practice brushwork and reinforce color knowledge without having to use any creative juices.
When people look at your paintings/work, what do you hope they feel or take away from them?
I hope that people are able to feel like they exist within my paintings. Someone recently said that they feel like they could smell the mountains in one of my pieces. I hope my work allows people to lose themselves for a moment while they delve in and explore each piece.
Do you have a favorite piece hanging here at Stoke?
That’s like picking a favorite child haha
You offer both advanced art classes and donation-based classes. What inspired you to create accessible, donation-based opportunities for people to explore art?
I aim to make sure that everyone who wants access, has access. There are enough barriers in this world and Art is not something that needs gate keeping. I want to foster people's inner child and fuel their curiosity to experiment without restriction or judgment. And in this economy, sometimes we just need something to do that doesn’t make us question our budget decisions! Am I right?!
What’s your favorite part about teaching and building community through creativity?
There is something invigorating about being creative with other people. You don’t feel so alone or silly trying something new. I love witnessing people find their light bulb moments when something clicks and they hone a new skill too. It’s all my favorite!
What challenges have you faced in pursuing art alongside other responsibilities, and how have those challenges shaped your work?
The biggest challenge I have faced is creative burnout. In the past, I was only selling commissions. They are profitable, and often very interesting, but they don’t allow me to stretch my creativity and lean in when inspiration strikes. I would take on multiple commissions in a row. Then fall into a creative hangover and wouldn’t create for a couple of months while I recovered. It just wasn’t sustainable. These days, I take on fewer commissions to allow myself ample time to create whatever interests me. AND creating multiple ways to connect and sell my art allows me to keep it fun and interesting. There is something for everyone and I don’t get bored along the way!
Is there a piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to pursue art but worries they don’t have the time or resources?
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Start small. Use materials you already have. Use recycled or found materials. Take advantage of people getting rid of their craft supplies. Thistle creative reuse is a fantastic place to visit if you want to try something new! So many artists (including myself) offer free online tutorials or memberships to help you learn new skills from the comfort of your own home. Everyone can take 5 minutes to make a doodle. A doodle a day may not keep the doctor away, BUT it will make you feel good :)
How has having your studio space at Stoke influenced your creative practice or your business?
Finally having a dedicated studio space has allowed me to be able to create consistently. I walk in and my space is ready for me to create. And let’s not ignore the amazing people I have been introduced to and programs I have been part of thanks to Stoke. I toured a few places and none of them were the right fit for me. I toured Stoke and knew immediately it was perfect. AND IT HAS BEEN!
What does being part of the Stoke community mean to you as an artist?
I love creating art, but being able to share it is even better. Stoke has fully embraced who I am and keeps encouraging me to take chances and challenge myself. I have only been able to reach the goals I have because of the support I’ve had through Stoke!
What projects or goals are you excited about in the year ahead?
I am most excited about my collaborations with other Denton businesses! Of course, I am working with Stoke for the next Creative Spark Mixer this February. I am also hosting monthly art classes with The Dime Store and The Brown Thumb. Later in the year, I heard rumors of an online Art Course and a little birdy mentioned an Art show. Fun things happening all year long!! Follow me on IG @nikolette_creates to stay in the know!