Nicki Whattam Art

Art has always been my passion and it has continued to shape my life.

After studying Fine Art at College I went on to study Art, Graphic Design Print and Illustration at University; before gaining my Teaching Qualification and becoming an Art Teacher in 2001. 

As a Teacher, Head of Art and Curriculum Leader I worked in Secondary Education for 24 Years.  Being able to work with, inspire, guide and support young people was hugely rewarding and a career that I loved.  

I was so focused on the support of others however , that  over the years I forgot about myself, until I picked up the palette knife in 2019.  I began painting as a way to deal with the loss of my beautiful Mum.  Painting was so good for me, it helped me so much, it gave me balance and allowed me to connect with the things that I loved.

  I went part time in 2023, taking a step back before fully leaving teaching in 2025.  I am still hugely passionate about supporting others, and  my ultimate aim is to continue to do this through my work.  To teach, support and guide; to help where I can, and when I can.

Wildlife and Animals, the Natural Environment and our beautiful Yorkshire Landscape continue to be my key inspiration. 

I am passionate about the protection of  wildlife, their habitats and our beautiful countryside;  therefore it is no surprise that they feature in many of my studies. I aim to both celebrate and in turn champion the protection of our wildlife through my work; and I continue to support various related charities. 

l also love to capture the character of a wider range of animals; from the farm and fields, to our feathered friends and four legged companions.

To capture the true beauty,  explore and celebrate the varied landscape of my home county is an absolute honour and privilege.  From the rugged landscape of the Moors and Coast, to the Flowing Valleys, Rolling Hills and Flatter Vales;  our landscape is ever changing with the light, the seasons,  and time.

 I aim to capture the raw beauty; the contrasts of drama and calm, of vast open spaces and hidden sanctuaries, of wide views and fine details.  

To share what I see and how I see it.

I work predominantly in Oils with Palette Knife on canvas.  I  particularly love the consistency of Oil paint and how it can be applied to create both texture and depth . I enjoy working with brushes but I  love the palette knife for its adaptability; to mix, spread,  layer, scrape, remove, dab, daub and engrave.  I am happy to work a range of scales but my preference is to go bigger as this allows for greater freedom, marks and expression.  

 I also love to mix things up and work with a range of different media and techniques too.  Teaching was wonderful at allowing me to continue to develop my own skills further whilst supporting others to learn, explore, experiment and create.  

I love a Sketchbook and always have one on the go; they continue to be a way for me to explore ideas and develop my work.