Art Exhibition by Nick McMillen

Nicks’ artistic journey unfolds through a tapestry of outdoor experiences and a profound connection to nature. With an education focused on Art and Design, coupled with an extensive foundation in land management, conservation, and rural crafts education, Nick has honed a diverse skill set over many years that mirrors the landscapes he’s traversed. His drawings are a response to these experiences, spending years observing woodland and rural flora.

Nick has been using charcoal since his Art College days. It played a pivotal role during extensive life drawing sessions, where he explored its nuances for about two years. One of the aspects he appreciates about charcoal is its simplicity which immediately guides the type of drawing he creates. Charcoal’s organic nature, originating from the earth and returning to it, adds to its appeal. He is also drawn to the mechanical aspect of charcoal. You apply these fine particles to the surface, scrape them off the charcoal stick, and once they’re on paper, it’s like the beginning of a journey. You can manipulate, spread, blend, and layer it.

Nick has regularly exhibited in the SBA and SGFA open exhibitions. In the SBA Plantae 2024 he was given the ‘Exhibiting Excellence’ award for his drawing ‘Stelliferous Era- Allium sp.’.

In May 2024 He was given the Cockpit Arts, Basket Makers award funded by the Worshipful Company of Basket Makers.

In August 2024 his drawing ‘Liberty – Castanea sativa’ was acquired by the Shirley Sherwood collection.