Nicole Eliza is an abstract painter currently living and working in the Barossa region, South Australia, where she grew up. She has recently returned to the region after living in Melbourne, Australia for the past eleven years. Nicole completed her Bachelor of Interior Architecture at University of South Australia in 2008 before relocating to Melbourne in 2011 and turning her focus to art.
Since when do you paint and what are your favorite motives?
I have been painting seriously for eleven years but I have been interested in art and design since I was young.
My studio is full of beautiful images, inspirational quotes, colour boards, mood boards and colour studies. Contrasting elements and deep layers are important to me in my work, combined with the playfulness of line.
When you create a new work, how do you proceed? What comes first?
I start with a brainstorm of words. The words could be thoughts and feelings, or words that describe the surrounding natural environment. I then put a mood board together with words, colours and textures that convey the story I’m trying to tell. I reference back to the board for inspiration as I'm working through the series.
I don’t have a formula or a finished outcome in mind when I start a new painting. I start with loose lines, shapes and coloursand then start building layer upon layer. I am intuitively drawn to colours, shapes and lines that help convey a subtle story of my lived experiences. Each artwork constantly evolves as one element informs the next to arrive at a final composition that is balanced and rich in detail.
From what do you get your motivation?
Generally, I show up in the studio regardless of whether I’m feeling motivated. Sometimes I may feel unmotivated but once I get started and things start working on the canvas, I become excited about what I’m working on and everything flows from there.
It’s usually colour combinations and interesting marks and layers in my work that get me motivated.
Your life without art would be...
purposeless. I always feel this need to create and develop my work further. I’m not sure what I would do if I didn’t have art in my life. It has connected me with so many amazing people and given me an outlet to express myself.
What is the best art place in your city at the moment?
I am living in a regional area at the moment, Barossa Valley Wine Region (approx. 1 hour from the city of Adelaide, South Australia). Wonderground Gallery in Seppeltsfield is a must visit. They always have an exciting rotation of beautifully curated exhibitions. 
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