Fear, Warwick artist Nikki Malone explains, that we are not going to be good enough. In contrast she believes everyone is capable of creativity and that it’s empowering to learn new skills.

The successful painter, who started her working life as a school teacher and now exhibits regularly in Queensland and New South Wales, said building people’s confidence was as vital as teaching them painting techniques. “I teach art classes and so often I hear people say they haven’t done any art since high school, so they couldn’t possibly be good enough to do a workshop,” Nikki said.

“But creativity is a very personal thing that you can grow and develop. Art is a way of interpreting the world and everyone sees it differently. There is no right or wrong and you can build confidence by building your skills. Learning some basic skills makes the painting process so much easier.”

She speaks from personal experience. A chance workshop attendance, 15 years ago when she was at home visiting her mother, changed the course of her life.

“My Mum took me along to this workshop with well-known Sydney artist John Wilson and by the end of the day I was hooked. As a teacher he was very generous with his knowledge and great with explanations and his encouragement gave me the self-belief to begin painting,” Nikki said. But it took a health challenge to really start her journey as an artist.

“I was diagnosed with leukemia in 2011 and during my treatment I couldn’t work so I spent time painting. It was a fun, relaxing outlet and provided such stress relief that I have kept it up ever since,” she said.

Today she runs regular workshops around the country, specialising in creative classes for adults and children.

“I love people, I love teaching and I love art…. these classes have resulted in connections with some of the most extraordinary people.

“Most people start nervously, concerned about getting it ‘right’, but art is so forgiving. My art classes are about comradery, knowing we are all in this together, like life really, and with support and guidance we all have the ability to create something beautiful.”

For more information go to www.nikkimalonestudio.com If you subscribe with your email, you will receive notice of upcoming workshops. You can also follow Nikki on social media at /NikkiMaloneStudio.