nimasprout - Art by Nicole Gustafsson

Celebration

2012-02-15T09:45:00.002-06:00

I celebrated my birthday yesterday :)

Lovely cake made by Matt (yum yum)

Thank you for all the wonderful birthday tweets/messages/facebooks/calls/letters I received.

Woodland Shade Mini Paintings Now Available Online!

2012-02-14T09:08:00.002-06:00

Gallery view at the Lux Center for the Arts, Lincoln Nebraska.

Just quick note to let folks that the remaining mini paintings are now
available for purchase online through the Lux Center for the Arts.

Nicole Gustafsson Mini Paintings

$75.00 Each (+ shipping)

Image Size: 3.25 x 3.25 inches

Matted with single white mat, unframed
They will ship out (or are available for local pickup) after the show closes March 31st.

Click here to view available works at the Lux Center for the Arts.

All My Murrays - Print Release at Gallery1988

2012-02-13T09:38:00.001-06:00

It's been hard to keep quiet about this but Gallery1988 and I have teamed up to produce prints of my painting "All My Murrays". They were just released today and are currently available at Gallery1988's website.

All My Murrays

By Nicole Gustafsson

giclee print on fine art paper
10 x 13 inches
signed & numbered edition of 50
inspired by various Bill Murray movies

Available for purchase here

Here they are all organized for signing. I am a paper snob and super picky which is why I don't do a lot of prints, they are hard to get right sometimes. But I was just blown away by the print quality on these (printed by the fine folks at Gallery1988), they look so rich and detailed that I couldn't be more happy with how they turned out.

New Painting - Woodland Procession

2012-02-10T09:49:00.002-06:00

Just finished up this painting "Woodland Procession" this morning!
For those interested I will be listing this original painting in my Etsy Shop, Monday (Feb 13) at 10:00am (CST).

Also I am going to be doing a limited edition print of this painting, but it will not be available until March.

Woodland Procession

6 x 9 inches

Gouache and Ink on paper
Unframed

$275.00 + shipping
(Available Feb, 13th at 10:00am (CST) in my Etsy Shop. Sales tax also applies to NE residents)

Woodland Procession (Detail) © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

Here in my painting all the woodland ladies have gotten all dressed up for a summer festival. This painting brings back fond memories of my visit to Japan and having my host mom and friend dress me up in a lovely summer kimono.

Toshi LOVES Snow.

2012-02-04T15:08:00.000-06:00

Well snow shouldn't be super special or even a surprise, but this winter has been very strange in Nebraska. We have had many sunny 60 degree days of late. Not at all typical and we knew that we would pay for it one of these days...and today's the day! We should get maybe a foot of snow by the end of the day and our dog Toshi couldn't be more thrilled. He pines for the snow, he thinks about snow day and night, and when it's finally here....well the grin on his face says everything.

I have to admit that I was waiting for the snow too.

Matt took these photos out on our walk, check out his blog for more snow photos.

Woodland Shade at the Lux Center

2012-02-02T12:55:00.000-06:00

Show is up at the Lux Center featuring 55 new paintings.
Reception is tomorrow night from 5 - 8pm, stop on by and say hi!

In the Woodland Shade

Work by Nicole Gustafsson

Opening Reception Feburary 3, 5 - 8pm

Show runs February 3 - March 31st

Lux Center for the Arts, Lincoln, Nebraska

The mini paintings will be available for purchase online by Feb 13th via the Lux Center's website.

PRISMA Artist Collective

2012-02-01T20:45:00.003-06:00

I'm super excited to share with you the artist collective PRISMA that I'm honored to be part of. The group consists of 25 international artists all brought together by the artist/founder Kaspian Shore.

Prisma members include:

Mary Jane Ansell - England

Tom Bagshaw - England

Lindsey Carr - Scotland

Hsiao-Ron Cheng - Taiwan

Leontine Greenberg - USA

Nicole Gustafsson - USA

Caitlin Hackett - USA

Daria Hlazatova, Ukraine

Ruben Ireland - England,

Sarah Joncas - Canada

Nom Kinnear King - England

Kit Lane - USA

Alex Louisa - Australia

Rod Luff - Australia

Jen Mann - Canada

Kelly McKernan - USA

Lady Orlando - Mexico

Lilly Piri - Australia

Audrey Pongracz - USA

Michael Shapcott - USA

Kaspian Shore - Germany

Allison Sommers - USA

Kelly Vivanco - USA

Casey Weldon - USA

Bec Winnel - Australia

And what does an artist collective do? Basically we have discussions about art, supplies, techniques, galleries, inspirations, and have a group to bounce ideas thoughts off of. I think every artist at some point or another feels alone, the art world can be a strange and mysterious place, and it's nice to have a group to navigate the rocker waters with.

We will be having shows as well. There will be two smaller group shows this year and a larger show with all the PRISMA members in 2013. The shows will feature individual work, but also collaborations between artists. (I'm super excited to work with the artists I've been paired up with for collaborations, but will keep that a secret for now!) Collaborations give us a chance to try something new, different, and go beyond our comfort level.

Stay up-to-date with PRISMA news at our website: www.prismacollective.com

You can also find PRISMA here:

Tumbler | Facebook | Twitter

A Special Treehouse

2012-01-23T09:51:00.002-06:00

AG's House

24 x 24 inches

Gouache and Ink on Wood

2011

This commission was a special treat to do, for a special friend. This charming house with lovely details on the porch, half moon attic windows and adorable scalloped shaped shingles. It is one of the most complex treehouses that I've taken on, and I feel like I never really knew this house until I drew it.

It's amazing how lives can intertwine in a place, and I am glad for the friendships that began in a small Nebraskan city where this house lives, with some the nicest folks I've ever met :)

Tanuki Time Print on Tiny Showcase

2012-01-17T21:56:00.001-06:00

Tonight is the print release of my painting "Tanuki Time" on Tiny Showcase!

Tanuki Time

By Nicole Gustafsson

Limited Edition of 100

6 x 6 inches

$20.00 (Available here though Tiny Showcase)

Tiny Showcase features different artists each week and a portion of the sales of the print goes to a charity of the artists choice. As a pet parent who draws (literally!) so much of my inspiration from my animal companions, I choose Hearts United for Animals as my artwork's charity.

Hearts United for Animals is a national no-kill animal shelter, sanctuary and animal welfare organization dedicated to the relief of suffering. The organization rescues dogs from all over the country and specializes in long distance adoptions. They take creatures who are lost, afraid, hungry or ill and comfort them, give them a warm, soft bed, good food, medical care and most of all, love. $250 dollars from the sale of this print will be donated to the organization.

Adult Swim show at Gallery 1988

2012-01-11T11:17:00.002-06:00

This Friday is the opening to the Adult Swim + Gallery 1988 show!

My fondest memories of the Adult Swim show lineup was when I was in college chilling at night. My favorite show was The Venture Bros. and years later I still yell "GO TEAM VENTURE" before debarking on some random adventure. So I knew I had to do a Venture Bros tribute to good times and a sweet show.

"Vacation on Spider-Skull Island"

8.25 x 13.25 inches

Gouache & ink on paper

Inspired by the Adult Swim show "The Venture Bros."

Venture Bros is one of those shows that it's impossible to pick a favorite character. Brock, Dr Venture, Orpheus, Molotov, and Dr. Girlfriend are just to name a few. Good to know that the next season is currently in the works too!

The reception is this Friday, Jan 13 from 7 - 10pm at Gallery 1988 in LA.

Show runs till February 4th, and there's a sweet lineup of artists.

The entire show will be online after the reception.

*UPDATE* The show is now online: here! View my painting: here

In the Woodland Shade - Upcoming February Show

2012-01-09T10:52:00.003-06:00

In the Woodland Shade

Work by Nicole Gustafsson

Opening Reception Feburary 3, 5 - 8pm

Show runs February 3 - March 31st

Lux Center for the Arts, Lincoln, Nebraska

I'm super excited about my upcoming solo show at the Lux Center here in Lincoln, NE.

The main feature of the show will be 50 mini paintings illustrating the adventures of woodland creatures.

Here is a preview of some of my favorite works so far. Each painting measures 3.25 x 3.25 inches.

Happy Holiday's

2011-12-29T09:11:00.000-06:00

Been a busy last few weeks...finishing commissions, wrapping presents...then unwrapping presents! Here are a few photo highlights of my holiday festivities (and yes I finally got an iphone and got on the instragram photo bandwagon!).

Every nerd needs a 8-bit wreath to add that geeky cheer. (Available at Thinkgeek if you need to add to your 8bit collection)

These are adorable mini sweaters my mom-in-law knit my guy and I for our x-mas tree. Modeled after the sweaters Ron's mom made Harry and Ron every winter, these are just so awesome we will probally keep them out all year round!

My family started out Christmas-eve with a gigantic appetizer spread. Part of said spread was a great cheese tray with lots of fun cheesy delights.

Mr Toshi here posing beautifully as he get's fed his favorite treat...banana chips!

It's a tradition here at our house that whenever you leave your seat there will soon be a cat to take your spot. Here Kit and Mochi both went for my desk chair. Notice how they are both avoiding eye contact with me...thinking that if they don't see me they won't have to move it!

Here is a little sneak peek of what I am currently working on in the studio. This February at the Lux Center in Lincoln, I will be having a show featuring 50 of these mini paintings and other goodies. These little works are glimpses into the lives of the woodland inhabitants. Many tea parties and adventures to be had in the Woodland Shade!

Free Shipping within U.S.!

2011-12-13T12:45:00.002-06:00

Happy Holidays! This photo is a little over a week old (snows all gone now), but I really liked the snow and thought this would spread a little holiday cheer!

X-mas is soon approaching and as a little incentive to those last minute shoppers I'm offering FREE SHIPPING within the United States in my Etsy Shop. I just listed the last of the x-mas ornaments and also have a few original paintings for sale too.

Enter code "SHIPPINGUS" at checkout to recieve free shipping within the U.S.
Must correctly enter code to receive discount! Sale ends Dec 16, 2011 at 11:59pm.

Check out goodies in my shop here!

Tree + House

2011-12-07T10:30:00.001-06:00

Treehouse's will always be a favorite subject of mine, influenced by a mixture of love of Swiss Family Robinson as a kid and our own treehouse in our backyard. I never really paid much attention to trees as a kid, they were just there for me to read in, climb in, make forts in, but now as a artist they are my favorite subject.

Here is a special treehouse painting my mom commissioned of their house in Norfolk. Digging though my family photos this was the best photo I could find of our house (look at me and my Easter dress!).

My main focus was to really transform the whole house into a tree with my mom's studio upstairs and my dad's woodworking shop at the bottom. We've spent so much time on the porch, meeting friends, taking family photos, it is really one of my favorite parts of the house.

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Another treehouse commission I did recently was for a clients Mom and her wonderful backyard and porch area. Modeled after the familys actual home I tried to retained the look and feel of the house, while still transforming it into the tree structure.

I love seeing where people enjoy hanging out and relaxing after a long day, and the backyard was definitely one of those place's. There were wonderful touches everywhere with birdfeeder's and flower beds. Judy, who the painting was for, is a fellow blogger. Check out her site - Through my Garden Window!

Happy Friday!

2011-12-02T09:49:00.000-06:00

Mochi and Kit wanted to wish everyone a Happy Friday!

Their agenda for the weekend: bird watching, shedding a few claws on their scratcher,
and enjoying a warm sunbeam.

Etsy Holiday Sale!

2011-11-28T12:24:00.000-06:00

To kick off the Holidays I am having a 20% off sale in my Etsy Shop.

Just use coupon code "HOLIDAY" during checkout to receive your discount.

Click here to check out my shop!

Coupon valid now thru December 1st, 2011 at midnight (CST).

Must enter coupon code "Holiday" in my Etsy Shop to receive 20% off your order.

Magic the Gathering Tribute Art Auction Today!

2011-11-22T09:13:00.003-06:00

Later today my original painting inspired by my love of the card game Magic the Gathering goes up for silent auction at Desert Bus for Hope. This was a collaboration between Matt and I; Matt created the theme and wording for the card and I did the illustration.

The auction begins at 2:00pm PST today. To bid you need a donor account on Desert Bus for Hope's website.

Fivelwaeg's Arboretum

Illustrated by Nicole Gustafsson | Copy by C.M. Galdre

Tribute to Magic the Gathering cardgame

Original Painting - Gouache & Ink on paper

9.75 x 6.5 inches

Click here to view the auction listing.

(Silent auction on this painting starting today at 2:00pm PST)

Stay tuned to Desert Bus to follow auctions, giveaways, and guest call ins.

Here's a little quote from the mysterious wizard himself: "Fine, then I am taking it with me! - Fivelwaeg

"Afternoon on Yoshi Island" Auction Today!

2011-11-20T09:15:00.003-06:00

Morning everybody! For those of you following Desert Bus my original painting "Afternoon on Yoshi Island" will go up on the live auction today at 2:15 PST (UPDATE auctions are running ahead of schedule, login early to watch)!

If you want to bid you need to sign up for a doner account on Desert Bus for Hope's website and log in to their chat system to place a bid. 100% of the auction will go to Child's Play Charity and provides children in hospitals games and toys. As of this morning over $70,000 dollars has been raised...amazing!

Afternoon on Yoshi's Island

by Nicole Gustafsson

Based on the video game "Yoshi's Island"

7.5 x 7.5 inches

Original Painting - Gouache and Ink on paper

Click here to view the auction listing.

(Live auction on this painting starting today at 2:15pm PST)

*UPDATE* Piece is sold for $1,800 at Desert Bus for Child's Play Charity!

Stay tuned to Desert Bus to follow auctions, giveaways, and lots of awesome other nerdyness!

Holiday Cards Are Here!

2011-11-17T08:05:00.000-06:00

New illustrated cards for the holidays are now available in my shop!.

Featuring four different illustrated designs:

Merry Christmas

Seasons Greetings

Yuletide Wishes

Happy Holidays

Available in a 4 card set or individually in my online store.

Upcoming Desert Bus for Hope 5

2011-11-14T19:24:00.001-06:00

This Friday, November 18th begins Desert Bus for Hope 5! For those of you not familiar with the event, Desert Bus for Hope is organized by members of Loading Ready Run who play the old school video game Desert Bus nonstop to raise money for Childs Play.

The charity group Child’s Play was created in 2003 by web comic guru’s Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik of Penny Arcade. Every year thousands of dollars are raised by the video game community to provide children in hospitals games and toys. They have recently expanded to over 70 different hospitals worldwide.

While the video game desert bus is being played video game, nerd inspired geekry is auctioned off both in live auctions and silent auctions. There are also giveaways and call-in's by some pretty amazing people.

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I contributed two pieces for Desert Bus's silent auction. The first piece "Afternoon on Yoshi's Island" is based on the SNES video game "Yoshi's Island". Matt bought me the game when we were in college because he knew Yoshi was one of my favorite Nintendo characters, but I never got a chance to actually play the game all the way through until recently and it's just amazing! The colors, the game play, and wonderful little Shy Guys running around on stilts...it's definitely one of my gaming favorites. I thought Kamek the wizard was pretty awesome in the game as well...he got a little nod in my painting :)

Afternoon on Yoshi's Island, 7.5 x 7.5 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

Afternoon on Yoshi's Island (view) © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

Afternoon on Yoshi's Island (detail) © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

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The second piece I created is a tribute to Magic The Gathering card game. I played it with my now husband back when we were teenagers in high school, and then went to college and didn't play for years up until about a year ago and now we can't get enough of the game. Which btw LOVE the new Innistrad set...amazing artwork and gameplay.

I'm intrigued by unusual lands being an environment based artist, so that was the basis of the painting. Matt came up with the theme and wording and I did the illustration. I was just thinking today it would be fun to do a creature card of our own creation. And of course I had to make it a mythic rare!

Fivelwaeg's Arboretum, 9.75 x 6.5 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

All the silent auction items people donate will go up at different times.
I will be sure to update everyone when these pieces go live for bidding.

Tune in to Desert Bus at 6:00 PST on Friday evening for the start!

Craftacular - November 9th!

2011-11-08T19:12:00.001-06:00

For those in the Nebraska area, tomorrow is Craftacular in downtown Lincoln. I'll be sellin' my wares along with 30 other artists. It will be a grand time with cocktails, raffles, live violin duo, and some pretty sweet people so come on by!

Craftacular 2011

Wednesday, November 9th - One night only!

Chez Hay (Above Noodles and co) 14th & P Street

5:00 - 9:00pm

Lincoln, Nebraska

Here's a few of the items that I will have for sale at Craftacular:

Hand-painted Ornaments

Cards - NEW Designs!

T-shirts

Original Paintings

Brooches

and relief prints.

I just got my new holiday cards in and they will be debuting there tomorrow night.

If your not in the area they will be available in my Etsy Store at the end of the week.

PS. The first 50 people to come to Craftacular will receive swag bags at the door!

Please Post Bills Opening

2011-11-07T09:48:00.001-06:00

Thanks to Meghan Stratman for taking photos of my work at the "Please Post Bills" - Bill Murray tribute show at Gallery 1988 in California. Check out Meghan's amazing contribution to the show at her blog post here!

My original painting "All My Murray's" is sold! To see all the works in the show check out Gallery 1988.

I have had a lot of print requests for my piece, and while there is no plans for prints right now, I will keep everyone informed if there is a print release of my painting "All My Murray's".

Please Post Bills at Gallery 1988

2011-11-01T10:44:00.002-05:00

This Thursday at Gallery1988 Melrose opens an amazing show tributing the comedic legend Bill Murray!

Please Post Bills

An Art Tribute to Bill Murray

Opening Reception November 3rd, 7 - 10pm

November 3 - 26th

Gallery 1988: Melrose

7020 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles CA

When getting together ideas for my piece to contribute to the show, I couldn't decide on just one Bill Murray performance. There are TOO MANY wonderful movies and characters that he has brought to life...so ended up picking my favorite Murray moments.

All My Murray's, 8 x 13 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011 SOLD

Movies Featured: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore, The Darjeeling Limited, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Caddyshack, Groundhog day, Ghostbusters series, Meatballs, Stripes, The Man Who Knew Too Little, Garfield.

I think Caddyshack was my first Murray love, with Ghostbusters, Meatballs and Life Aquatic coming in close behind. What's your favorite Bill Murray movie or comedy sketch?

All My Murray's (detail), © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

All My Murray's, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

I'll leave you with a quote from Bill Murray's character in Caddyshack.

"This crowd has gone deadly silent, a Cinderella story outta nowhere. Former greenskeeper and now about to become the masters champion ... He's on his final hole. He's about 455 yards away, he's gonna hit about a 2 iron I think ... IT'S IN THE HOLE!" - Carl Spackler

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T13:41:00.000-05:00

How do you celebrate Halloween? At our place it involves carving pumpkins, making some Orange Guinness Cupcakes, and playing some board games.

Happy Halloween!

2nd Annual Bad Dads: Tribute to Wes Anderson

2011-10-26T10:14:00.004-05:00

Bad Dads, a tribute show to director Wes Anderson opens this weekend in San Francisco.
Spoke Art has even extended the reception to be both Saturday and Sunday!

2nd Annual Bad Dads: A Tribute to the Films of Wes Anderson
at Spoke Art
Saturday, October 29th: 6pm - 10pm | Sunday, October 30th - noon - 10pm
Show will be on display though the month of November.

816 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109

Margo and Ritchie in the Royal Forest, 7.5 x 12.5, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011 SOLD

Margo and Ritchie in the Royal Forest (detail) © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

Royal Tennenbaums was the very first Wes Anderson film I saw and have since watched it over and over again. There's so many scenes I love but one of my favorites is Margo and Ritchie together in the tent in the living room. It reminded me when I was younger and would set up our tent in the living room and have a camp-out.

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Go Team Zissou! 6.5 x 8.75 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011 SOLD

Go Team Zissou! (detail) © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is a movie I love more and more every time I watch it.
Every character is so interesting and of course Bill Murray as Zissou is amaaazing!

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If your in the San Francisco area check it out. See Spoke Art's website for show and purchase info.

Craftacular 2011 coming November 9th

2011-10-25T13:00:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendars! I will have a booth for the upcoming Craftacular event November 9th in Lincoln, Nebraska from 5 - 9pm. The event is located in Chez Hay in downtown Lincoln (above Noodles). Over 33 artists and designers from the area will be selling their handmade items and it's a great opportunity to do your holiday shopping and buy local.

I will have T-shirts, holiday ornaments, sculpted brooches, cards, prints, and small original artwork for sale. Also come early!!! The first 50 people to attend Craftaular will receive a free swag bag with lots of goodies from the vendors.

Here's a little sneak peek of some of the holiday items I'm working on.

This original painting will be part of one of the themed gift baskets that are being raffled off. Proceeds from the raffle will go to the Lincoln Arts Council. Ticket's are just a buck and winner is announced at 8:45pm that night.

See Craftacular's facebook page for more information about the event.

Upcoming Bad Dads Show at Spoke Art

2011-10-19T12:31:00.000-05:00

October 30th marks the opening reception of the Annual "Bad Dads" tribute show at Spoke Art. Celebrating the amazing works of director Wes Anderson, he has created some of my favorite films of all time.

Here's a little teaser of my two pieces I contributed to the show....

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Just a quick note to share some of the events and shows that I'll be participting in over the next couple weeks.

Bad Dads

Tribute show celebrating Wes Anderson

Opens October 30th, 2011
Spoke Art Gallery, San Francisco, CA

Please Post Bills

Tribute Show celebrating Bill Murray

Opening November 3, 2011
Gallery 1988 Melrose, Los Angeles, CA

Craftacular

One night event Wed, November 9th

5:00 - 9:00 at Chez Hey in Lincoln, NE

Also wanted to let people know that I am currently not accepting any more commissions until spring of next year. Wow is it almost 2012 already...crazy!

Branched Oak Camping Trip

2011-10-17T10:35:00.001-05:00

Camping over the Halloween weekend is a tradition for Matt and I but after freezing weather last year we decided to move our annual trip a few weeks early. We headed over to Branched Oak State Park , close to home and has lots of camping grounds to pick from.

A few years ago I painted an artwork featuring a camping adventure with a bright yellow tent. At the time my inspiration for the tent in the painting was an old army tent that my dad had mixed with a Coleman tent Matt and I had. Really weird that fast forward to the present day, and we end up buying a bright yellow tent almost exactly like my painting.

One of my favorite features of the new tent is the skylight in the rain fly. That and the tent just glows when your inside it. I took a short nap and think I got a tan.

Tent also comes with an optional vestibule for storing your items and making a nifty little porch area.

It was still a bit chilly but with hat, gloves, hoodie and a warm fire, it was perfect to hangout and enjoy a good read. (The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan is pretty amazing continuation of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series)

Got some classic orange pumpkins to carve our jack-o-lanterns. I love camping in autumn because everyone decks out their campsite with Halloween and autumn cheer.

Toshi enjoys chilling by the campsite. Digging, napping, and crunching a few leaves are a few of his camping favorites.

What started as driving to get more firewood for the campsite ended up being a search for a gas station, which expanded to driving a little farther for food at a place called Toast. Ever since my friend Lindsey introduced me to the yummy fare at Toast, I've been pretty hooked. Here's a delicious club sandwich with potato salad and mandatory pickle.

My pumpkin turned out a little derpy (the one on the left), but I love the grin on Matt's Jack-o-lantern.

It's pretty rare to get both of us in a shot together because one of us is usually behind the camera...thanks to a nifty timer this is one of my favorite photos.

Beautiful night sky. There was a while where the sky was a really deep purple.

Haunted Giveaway!

2011-10-10T21:41:00.005-05:00

It's that time of year again and my favorite way to celebrate the changing leaves,
brisk weather and all those pumpkins is to have a little giveaway!

This year one lucky winner will get a "Spooky" Card Set and Pumpkin Cat Brooch.

How to enter? It's easy, just comment on this blog article!

I will choose one lucky winner randomly Friday, Oct 15th at 9am.

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*Update* Just picked a winner from a the comments listed on this blog post (randomly via random.org) and the winner is....Kaspian Shore! (Kaspian is a fellow artist and check out his amazing work here!)

Thank you everyone so much for commenting and sharing your favorite Halloween costumes, there's some amazing creations mentioned! Have a wonderful Fall and Spooooky time :)

For kicks and giggles share your favorite Halloween costume.
Mine was an awesome raccoon outfit (appropriately warm for those random Nebraskan blizzardry Halloween nights growing up).

I don't have a photo of my costume but Mochi has agreed to share his new spider mat with you.

Wanna see more Halloween related stuffs by Nimasprout? Check out my Shop.

Spooky Card Sets are here!

2011-10-07T10:17:00.000-05:00

It's that wonderfully "Spooky" time of year again!

Complete "Spooky" Card set - Contains 4 cards:
1 "Pumpkin Spice" Card
1 "Haunted Isle" Card
1 "Specter Tree" Card
1 "By Witches Light" Card

Available for purchase in 4 card set or individually at my Etsy Shop!

PS. Hmmm what's this...perhaps another "Haunted Giveaway" coming this Monday?

Camping Weekend!

2011-10-03T11:53:00.000-05:00

Had a great weekend camping at Ponca National Park, NE with my family. The leaves were just starting to turn, and we had great weather. Even though the park is right by the river the flooding this year didn't really impact the park itself which is elevated.

There was this old oak tree was a sapling in 1644. It had some great twisty branches...right up my alley!

Spoke Art and Beyond Eden Art Fair

2011-09-28T13:43:00.002-05:00

This weekend Spoke Art presents the touring exhibit Quentin vs. Coen Round Three at the Beyond Eden Art Fair in East Hollywood. The exhibit will be on display October 1st and 2nd.

I'm very excited to be part of this exhibit and for my contribution I choose Coen's rendition of True Grit. (Despite the fact that snakes really creep me out I just couldn't resist the rattlesnake curled up around the whiskey bottle.)

Whiskey Terrarium Showdown

7.75 x 11.5 inches (image size)

Gouache & Ink on paper

Whiskey Terrarium Showdown, 7.75 x 11.5 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

Whiskey Terrarium Showdown (detail) , 7.75 x 11.5 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

Whiskey Terrarium Showdown (detail), 7.75 x 11.5 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

Check out Beyond Edens website for more info about the fair this weekend (Admission if free!).

See Spoke Art for purchase and information about the exhibit and artists.

Yearly Pilgramage...to the Pumpkin Patch!

2011-09-26T12:49:00.000-05:00

Matt and I went to our favorite pumpkin patch again this year. It's a tradition that got started our senior year in College and we've gone every year since. Part of the ritual is also dragging along my Polaroid camera and getting a vintage shot of the pumpkins. I love the apps for iphone that mimic this old school look, but nothing can beat the original.

They always have tons of stuff to do, bounce house, burlap sack race, petting zoo, derby, and corn maze. Everything is always well organized and maintained, plus every year they add something new to their farm...this year it was sweet looking horsey bounce rides for racing.

Went with dark green pumpkins this year....the patch was so leafy it was hard to spot the pumpkins. I'm looking forward to making these into grinning jack-o-lantern's!

The Country Harvest Pumpkin Patch also has a pretty good food spread. There's homemade fudge and ice cream, plus items like burgers and hot dogs if hunting for pumpkins really worked up an appitite!

PS. If your wondering why my images are branded with Nyannet, it's because Matt let me use these off his blog :)

Old School Video Game Art Show at Gallery 1988

2011-09-15T12:50:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is the opening for The Old School Video Game Art Show at Gallery 1988.

Looks like a really awesome lineup of artists to reminisce about their favorite games.

The Old School Video Game Art Show

Gallery 1988 Venice

Reception: Friday, September 16th 7:00pm

Show runs Sept 16th - October 8th

Hide and Seek, 7 x 14.5 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, SOLD

One of my favorite video games is the Legend of Zelda series. My personal favorite from the series is Windwaker which influenced the style and characters in this painting. I am very much looking forward to the new game coming out this year. I got a little peek of it at PAX and it looks awesome!

I become quite fond of the Bokoblin's (little green guys with torches) when working on this piece. I want to think of myself to be somewhat-like princess Zelda, but really I think I'm more like a Bokoblin just hanging out, enjoying some of the scenery and being a little puzzled :)

If your in the area this is a show not to miss! Say hi to all the little game sprites for me :)

NEW! Sculpted Pins/Brooches

2011-09-13T13:38:00.000-05:00

Every once and a while I get a hankering to do some sculpting 3-dimensional work. This is one of those such occasions when brainstorming ideas for creations this upcoming fall/winter season

So making their grand debut today are my sculpted pins/brooches based on characters from my paintings. In case you didn't notice I am very excited for fall and Halloween!

They are sculpted from polymer clay, then baked in the oven. Next they are hand-painted and sealed.

I wanted to do a sculpted version of Toshi our Shiba Inu, but then the cats felt left out so I did a Ragdoll/Siamese mix to represent our cat. I feel quite attached to these, little reminders of my pet kids... so I'm opening up a Custom Pet Portrait listing in my shop to cater to the pet lovers out there.

A variety of sculpted pins plus the Custom Pet pin/brooch are available in my Etsy Shop.

Show's up in Nebraska City!

2011-09-08T13:30:00.004-05:00

My solo show Through the Thicket is all up and available for viewing at Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts in Nebraska City. Some of my favorite paintings I ever done are part of this show and I'm very excited to share them with you!

Through the Thicket

New Paintings by Nicole Gustafsson

Reception: Saturday, Sept 17th, 3:00-5:00pm

Show runs Sept 5th - October 20th

Kimmel Harding Center for the Arts

801 Third Corso | Nebraska City, NE 68410

Gallery Hours: Monday - Thursday, 12:00 to 4:00pm

Gallery view at Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts in Nebraska City

If you are interested in purchasing a piece please email me, I am handling the sales in the show. Prices range from $175 - $375. If you're a Nebraska resident let me know and we can work out delivery, and for out of state folks shipping can be arranged. All pieces are shipped or delivered after the close of the show October 20.

All the pieces are original gouache and ink paintings professionally framed in white wood frames and white mat with all archival materials and conservation glass.

Spooktacular, 8 x 8 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, SOLD

Swim Time!, 8 x 8 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, Available

Welcome Home, 8 x 8 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, Available

Tanuki Time, 8 x 8 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, SOLD

Together at the Bungalow House, 8 x 8 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, SOLD

Artichoke, 5 x 7 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, Available

Blackberry, 5 x 7 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, Available

Strawberry, 5 x 7 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, Available

Asperagus, 5 x 7 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, Available

Dragonfruit, 5 x 7 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, Available

Pear, 5 x 7 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, Available

Harvest, 5 x 7 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, Available

Love Bunnies, 5 x 7 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, Available

Checkmate, 5 x 7 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, Available

Hugs & Kisses, 5 x 7 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, Available

Pick a Door, 7 x 10 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, Available

Fall, 3.75 x 4.75 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, Available

Under the Maple Leaves, 6.5 x 10 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011, SOLD

The reception for the show is next Saturday, October 17th from 3 - 5pm.
Hope to see you there!

PAX Prime 2011

2011-09-05T22:33:00.003-05:00

I've been a bit quiet lately partially because I was getting ready for a solo show this last week and partially because I just came back from the giant nerd-fest known as PAX Prime in Seattle. It was a grand time...meeting people that were previously just internet buddies and lusting after new games soon to be out. Here are highlights of our adventures from the trip (Warning...my rendition involves mostly food and random comments. If you want a more comprehensive day to day telling of our PAX adventure head on over to Matts blog.)

Our first day we left Nebraska here at 5:00am for the airport which was way too early, but that left us a whole day to explore Seattle and get our bearings before PAX actually begain. After getting a little breakfast (Matt went with the Japanese breakfast (above) and a much needed nap at our hotel...we journeyed over to Pikes Place Public Market and got lost in an endless maze of shops and goodies.

I had been to the market years ago, but I had no idea how big the place was or how the levels would randomly end or twist to a different section. It is someplace that I would like to explore more on a really quiet day...it was pretty busy when we were there.

Whoever decided to add greenery to the buildings that hangs off the side is a genius....a plant loving mossy green genius...

Got up early the first day to get in line for the opening keynote speaker and question and answer time with Jerry and Mike. We were greeted by lines of nerds.....

After waiting in line for all morning we were super hungry so we stopped at 820 Pike Street Pan Asian Cuisine. I got the Bibimbap is one of my favorite dishes. Basically various yummy things with an egg on top. (Yeah...I'm thinking that most things with a fried egg on top is a good sign it will be delisious. )

Matt went with the Chicken Pho which came in a giant bowl.

Here is the Bioshock booth which was super sweet because it had a photoshoot with Elizabeth from the new game. Then after you get your photo taken you stand in line and look at concept art from the game and then answer trivia questions to win a t-shirt. Matt won one but I commandeered it :)

Banner for the new Legend of Zelda game coming out. It looks really fun and want it to be out...NOW!

Matt got to meet Scott and Kris and gave them some of my postcards, and also picked up a copy of The Best of PVP.

Yum Pizza! These are from Mod Pizza downtown Seattle. Really I think we could have shared one but went ahead and ordered two and ate it all.

While waiting for a panel to start we walked in on a cosplay competition. If I could hand out prizes this lovely lady as Vanille from Final Fantasy 13 would win hands down. It's crazy how good some of these costumes are....these people have some serious sewing skills.

Some of my favorite stuffs we got the first day. I LOVE all things Totoro so I freaked out when I saw this bag. Also super sweet was some older print Magic cards...and guess who pulled a mythic card...I did.

For day 2 of PAX we headed once again to this great little bakery Belle Epicurean which was a block from our hotel. This bakery is one of the things we miss most about leaving Seattle. We ate there everyday but this was the only day that we got photos of both our dishes before devouring them.

One of the panels that was a MUST SEE for us was Acquisitions, Inc, where Mike, Jerry, Scott Kurtz and Wil Wheaton play Dungeons and Dragons. Above is Mike as his character Jim Darkmagic.

The whole crew playing away. It finally occurred to me that PAX would be the perfect place to wear my handwoven green cape my Mom-in-law made me.... maybe I'll bring it next year permitting it will fit in my suitcase. Check out the amazing table and set that they are playing on. Someday I will have a table like that....someday.

Another favorite food place we found was Blue C Sushi, with the yummy moving belt of food.

All the plates are color coded according to cost. Was also nice that if you didn't see something on the belt that you wanted you just push a button and can request it. So of course I wanted green tea ice cream!

The Magic the Gathering booth had a great statue of Jace, but if there could be a giant figure of any character from the game I would totally pick Empress Galina. Really I'm working on how I could go as her for Halloween sometime....she's so badass....and has seal companions...awesome!

I admit I don't play the Pokemon series but these papercraft Pokemon figures were really fun.

Another really great cosplay figure from the game Journey. I'm still trying to figure out how some of these costumes are so good. The glowing eyes on this one were flawless, and I love how they will pose for you across a room full of people!

For dinner we ate at our hotel and it was really very good. Matt got the salmon above and I ordered a big hunk of prime rib and got a bit of heckling from both my date and our waiter because we've got enough beef back home in good ole Nebraska!

We had a great time at PAX and this entry doesn't even begin to cover all the events and panels we went to. Again go check out Matt's blog for a more comprehensive documentation of our PAX adventure. I also had a super fangirl moment and tracked down Mike some of my postcards featuring some paintings. He momentary confused that I ambushed him to give him something but took it anyways. Looking forward to our next PAX trip in the somewhere near future.

Through the Thicket

2011-08-24T10:40:00.000-05:00

Here's a little more info on the upcoming show "Through the Thicket" at Nebraska City. The show will feature original paintings with various woodland creatures in their little woodland homes :)

A little sneak peek of paintings for the show!

Upcoming show in Nebraska City

2011-08-17T09:15:00.002-05:00

I'm painting away and getting ready for my solo exhibit "Through the Thicket" at the Kimmel Harding Center for the Arts in Nebraska City. Nebraska City is home to Arbor Day and lots of other tree enthusiasts (Kimmel Orchard that makes amazing apple donuts! And local fresh honey, and cherry wine!) so I've always had lots of tree (and food) love for Nebraska City.

Tanuki Time, 8 x 8 inches, Gouche & Ink, 2011

Through the Thicket

New Paintings by Nicole Gustafsson

Reception: Saturday, Sept 17th, 3:00-5:00pm

Show runs Sept 5th - October 20th

Kimmel Harding Center for the Arts

801 Third Corso | Nebraska City, NE 68410

Gallery Hours: Monday - Thursday, 12:00 to 4:00pm

The reception is being held during the AppleJack festival--a weekend long celebrating the Nebraska apple harvest. There's a parade, bake offs, car shows, and lots of other fun events going on...if your in the area it's sure to be a good time, stop on by!

Super iam8bit opens tonight!

2011-08-11T14:39:00.001-05:00

SUPER iam8bit show in LA opens tonight!

I really want to be there and see everyone's work, but I'm a bit landlocked in Nebraska at the moment.

(I'd love to see some gallery photos of my pieces in the show...email them on over to me if you happen to be attending!)

Announcing - Beard the Immortal!

2011-08-11T08:59:00.000-05:00

My husband Matt launched his literary project Beard the Immortal this month. It is a written collaboration between Matt (pen name C.M. Galdre) and Franklin C. Murdock. Here is a little information about their project:

"In the spring of 2011 two writers and a musician were discussing a recent event on twitter. The event in question was the shaving of the musicians epic winter beard. The musician felt he now looked ten years younger, the writers felt that an atrocity had been committed. The death of the beard was not taken easily. "The beard is dead. Long live the beard!" the writers cried. "Not that big of a deal guys." the musician replied. "That is not shaved where stubble may rise, yet with strange razors even beard may die." the writers called out. "Nay, the beard shall never die, it shall reign eternal" they cried, and so went up the call "Beard the Immortal! Forever may he reign!"

This stuck in one of the writers heads and a few days later he had the idea to create a character, Beard the Immortal, a legend and hero whose exploits were so fantastic that it was hard to tell which were true and which were hyperbole. This writer was C. M. Galdre, and the next day he sent an email to the other, a one Franklin C. Murdock. Together they began collaborating on a series of stories that were inspired by not only their taste in literature but their shared love of video games, anime, and a hodge podge of other interests. So it was that Beard the Immortal was born. We hope that you enjoy these tales as much as we enjoy writing them."

They are continually updating their tale of Beard the Immortal on their website so check it out regularly.

You can even hear comments from Beard himself on twitter!

Play ball! (kinda sorta)

2011-08-06T21:50:00.000-05:00

So Matt and I had been waiting this last few weeks to catch a Saltdogs baseball game here in town and tonight we finally went, and the game started out great. Our home team hit a homerun on the first bat, and I finally got a picture with Homer the mascot (which btw I've wanted a photo with Homer FOREVER, but got too shy every time he was near!)

So this was about the time when people started noticing that a big dark cloud was moving over the ballpark. It's pretty hot out so people joke that a little rain would feel nice. And it starts to rain....and then REALLY rain.

Not just any rain either...this was a blowing the vender tables over, lights going out, people hiding in the bathroom kinda rain. There was some shelter but the wind made sure to soak everyone and leave no place dry!

Here's a little video Matt took while we were watching the ground crew try to cover the field.

The ground crew had a heck of a time getting this tarp in place but they finally got it!

We decided to leave because there was pretty much no way they could play with the field so wet (it ended up getting postponed till tomorrow anyway). We were greeted with some pretty cloud formations. The drive home we saw lots of down branches and the power was out in some parts of Lincoln here.

Glad everyone was safe and can't wait to watch another baseball game (minus the rain!)

Fresh from the shop

2011-08-03T13:11:00.000-05:00

Spent the last few days getting some new items added to my Etsy shop. First up is a new card designs featuring Vegetable houses - Eggplant, Carrot, Bok Choy and Radish. They are available as individual cards or in a 4 card set.

"Vegi House" cards are available for purchase here!

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Original gouache & Ink paintings by Nicole Gustafsson

Also newly added are small original paintings featuring some of our feathered friends - "Common Waxbill", "Japanese Paradise Flycatcher", and "White Zebra Finch". These paintings come professionally framed and are the perfect size for your wall or desk.

These little birdies are available in my shop here!

Upcoming Iam8bit show!

2011-07-26T18:33:00.002-05:00

I am super excited to be participating in the upcoming Iam8bit show in LA. Over 100 artists will pay tribute to their old school video games days in this amazing artshow. Paintings, plush, sculpture, and interactive art will be on display in a brand new space at Iam8bit productions.

SUPER IAM8BIT

August 11 - September 10

2147 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

Opening Reception: August 11, 7 - 11pm

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When developing ideas for pieces to contribute to the show, I immediately thought of Super Mario Bros. It was my first love of video games, and the original games for the NES hold a special place in my gamer heart.

Below is one my paintings for the show, inspired by Super Mario Bros. 2. The game is full of fun creatures, and Shy Guys are one of my favorites!

Shy Guys, 9.5 x 9.5 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

Detail of Shy Guys, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

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My second piece I did, Lazy Day in the Magic Kingdom, featured a mix of the different parts of Mario Bros that I enjoy. I always loved the silly spotted mushrooms and the daft looking fish in the water worlds.

Lazy Day in the Mushroom Kingdom, 5.75 x 9 inches, Gouache & Ink, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

Lazy Day in the Mushroom Kingdom (detail), © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

And here they are all framed up! Check out Iam8bit's website for more information leading up to the reception on August 11th. After the reception the pieces will be available for viewing online.

Family Tree

2011-07-20T19:46:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of doing a commission piece for a good friend this last week. The painting was a birthday present for her mother. Each main branch represented a different member of the family, the outermost parent branches guiding the inner branches.

This was a wonderful project to work on. It got me thinking about how elaborate a family tree with many generations would look like (I think I would need a larger piece of wood to paint on!).

Crazy 4 Cult Show Available Online

2011-07-19T09:41:00.002-05:00

Just an update to say the Crazy 4 Cult show is online at Gallery 1988's website.

100 artists take aim at cult classic films and my pieces were based on the movie The Princess Bride.

Beware the Shrieking Eels! is available for purchase here. *update SOLD*

Rodent's of Unusual Size? I Don't Think They Exist! is available for purchase here.

The show is runs July 8 - July 30th.

Crazy 4 Cult #5 - Opening tonight!

2011-07-08T09:54:00.002-05:00

The opening reception for the Crazy 4 Cult 5 is tonight in Los Angeles, CA. These shows always have a great turnout and I wish I could make it! Below are my pieces for the show based on the film The Princess Bride.

Beware the Shrieking Eels! 5.25 x 9 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011 SOLD

Rodents of Unusual Size? I Don't Think They Exist. 5.25 x 9 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

Here they are all framed up! For some reason my back patio seems to be the spot to take photos of my framed pieces...not to much glare and I kinda like the concrete background.

The entire show will go online after the reception. Visit Gallery 1988 for more Crazy 4 Cult info!

Happy 4th

2011-07-05T12:37:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July yesterday! Matt took this photo of me holding a firework torch and love how the light is falling. I'll share more photos of our firework adventure after they are edited but I couldn't wait to share this photo!

Etching Process & Sale!

2011-07-03T12:01:00.002-05:00

I finally got all my etchings listed in my online shop and now at a reduced price.
They are listed at 50% their original price! Check out all my available etchings here.

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Each print is made from etched copper, inked by hand and then run through a printing press. It is a labor intensive process but I love this old school way of printing.

I first learned the method in college and then did a printmaking residency here at the Lux Center for the Arts in Lincoln, Nebraska. I wish I had better progress photos, but I do have a few photos to help explain the printing (making the plate itself is a whole other ball game which involves a waxy ground, needle to draw your image, solution to etch the image, and then aquatint techniques to achive the different value ranges.)

Here I am hand inking a little plate. Basically ink is applied and rubbed into the little groves of plate. Then the surface is wiped clean so the only ink left is in the etched lines I wish to print.

Then the plate is placed on the press bed, a damp piece of printmaking paper is placed over the copper plate, and then blankets are put over the top. Then the whole thing is run through the press, applying pressure to the paper so that it picks up the ink in the grooves of the plate.

Avard's Mysterious Selection, 3 x 4 inches, Etching & Aquatint, © Nicole Gustafsson 2008

The final result is an image with different values achieved though one ink pass. If you wanted a multi-colored print you would need another plate for each color you wanted. This is a traditional method for having multiple copy's of the same image. If you wanted a 1000 images of a picture you would have to go though inking, wiping, and printing each time (hence why I keep my edition numbers low)!

If I do any more etchings I'll be sure to take better photos of the process, but that's the basic idea!

Invitational Show at Gallery 9

2011-06-30T11:29:00.000-05:00

Today opens the invitational show at Gallery 9 here in Lincoln, NE. I'm happy to have been invited by member artists Meghan Stratman. Check out Meghan's work at the show and online at her blog.

Reception for the show is this Friday (July 1st) from 6:30 - 9:30pm.

Stop on by and meet the artists and their wonderful artwork.

Gallery 9, Downtown Lincoln, Nebraska

Love their little garden path by the gallery.

My bird paintings on the left.

The Keeper, 7 x 11 inches, Gouache & Ink on Wood, © Nicole Gustafsson 2011

Work by Gallery 9 members and guest artists

Sculpture by Deanna Milam Larson, Paintings by Nicole Gustafsson

If your in the area stop on by this Friday.

There are lots of great shows going on this Friday's gallery walk in Lincoln including the F*** Up show at Screen Ink, my friend Patty Scarborough is showing new paintings at the Burkholder Gallery, and lots more!

Crazy 4 Cult #5 - Upcoming show at Gallery 1988

2011-06-27T13:20:00.006-05:00

Coming up this July is the Crazy 4 Cult #5 show at Gallery 1988 in California.
It is an annual art show celebrating cult classic films with over 100 artists interpreting their favorite movies.

Below is a little sneak peek of my two contributions to the show.
I based my paintings on one of my favorite movies--"The Princess Bride".
The movie is full of memorable moments...Westley, shrieking eels, Princess buttercup, and oh so much more!

Upcoming Harry Potter Tribute Show!

2011-06-15T13:29:00.001-05:00

Coming up next month at Gallery Nucleus is the Harry Potter tribute show. Potter nerds (ahem, I mean artists) from all around were able to submit their creations to the blog all year long and next month the artwork will be on display.

Wonderful promo poster by Ben Zhu

There is going to be an awesome reception with contests for best dressed and lots of fun events like snitch seeking competions, butter beer, and trivia contests.

Whomping Willow, 6.5 x 9 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, 2011

So it's no secret that I love planty-leafy-things, and something that I loved about the books was all the unusual plants that J.K. Rowling brought to life. The crying mandrake roots, Devils Snare that almost got the best of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, not to mention Gillyweed that allows you to breath underwater. Here I illustrated an iconic Harry Potter plant the Whomping Willow, which would batter anyone who came closer to it but was ever so useful Lupin.

Hagrid & Fang, 4.75 x 3.75 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, 2011

This piece was what I imagined Hagrid and Fang doing after an eventful day (Buckbeak the hippogriff and Sirius Black being freed). Nothing like taking a well earned break with some butterbeer and your faithful companion by your side.

Check out the Harry Potter blog with art submissions so far.

More information about the show and events at Gallery Nucleus can been found here!

Camp Firewood

2011-06-14T12:48:00.000-05:00

Wet Hot American Summer tribute show is now available for viewing Gallery 1988's website.

Check out my piece "Camp Firewood" here.

Camp Firewood, 8 x 8 inches, Gouache & Ink on Paper, 2011, Available

"Director David Wain photographs some of the artwork." Photo via Huffpost Los Angeles.

Huffpost Los Angeles has a great article on the entire show. Check it out here!

The show will be up at Gallery1988 Venice for the rest of the month.

Process photos: Drawing, Painting, Inking and eating some Nerds!

Bakers Dozen - Illustrated Idiom Show at Gallery Nucleus

2011-06-12T20:14:00.001-05:00

The reception for Bakers Dozen exhibit at Gallery Nucleus was last night. I was unable to attend the show in person but the entire show can now be viewed online. I am very excited to be included in this show and below are the four pieces I contributed.

Gallery Nucleus featured interviews of the participating artists for this show on their blog.

Check it out my interview here some thoughts behind my work and influences!

Night on the Town, 7 x 7 inches, Gouache & Ink, 2011 SOLD

Mountain Out of a Molehill, 7 x 7 inches, Gouache & Ink, 2011 SOLD

Birds of a Feather, 5 x 5 inches, Gouache & Ink, 2011 SOLD

Can't Cut the Mustard, 5 x 5 inches, Gouache & Ink, 2011 SOLD

I am also participating in next months tribute show to Harry Potter at Gallery Nucleus as well!
Check out the Harry Potter blog to see fan art for the upcoming show.

Wet Hot American Summer - Tribute Show at Gallery 1988

2011-06-10T09:46:00.001-05:00

This weekend opens Gallery 1988 Venice's tribute show to the film
Wet Hot American Summer -- a kooky movie about summer camp.

"Camp Firewood:
Celebrating Wet Hot American Summer"

Showing June 10th - 29th

Reception: Friday, June 10th 7-10pm

Gallery 1988 (Venice), Sana Monica, CA

Camp Firewood, 8 x 8 inches, Gouache & Ink on wood, 2011

Here is my piece I did for the show. I've never been to a summer camp, but I've always found the cabins and what makes up a camp interesting. (I think my friends had our own type of summer camp, going to the pool everyday, meeting up for city-rec softball on the weekends and various sleepovers...good times!)

The entire show will go online here for viewing after the reception.

Oaxacan Wood Carving

2011-06-08T12:52:00.000-05:00

Here is a little treasure that I picked up in the Mexico world tour at Disney Epcot. There was a woman there painting these Oaxacan wood carvings and she had all sorts of creatures on display. There were some really wonderful larger pieces of rabbits in bright green with detailed patterns that I could have looked at for hours.

My piece wasn't signed so I'm not sure of the name of the artist, but if I know of anyone going to Oaxacan Valley I'm definitively sending some money and begging them to pick out a buddy for my new little fire-breathing dragon creature!

Disney Adventure

2011-06-02T12:52:00.002-05:00

Last week I had the pleasure of taking a little trip with my sister to Orlando Florida and going to Disney World! Here are a few highlights from the trip.

This is my "classic" Disney shot that I needed of the castle. I wasn't aware that it was decked out in lights & patterns and images were projected onto it for different events.

Lots of gorgeous flowerbeds and trees.

This was the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse that you could walk through. This is right up my alley!

Good viewpoint of Magic Kingdom from the treehouse.

Here is the building for the Haunted Mansion ride. I love ghost stories and mysteries so this was one of my favorites. I didn't get a picture of Splash Mountain but that was great too!

We stayed at the Coronado Resort at Disney...I loved the southwest theme carried out in the architecture.

Here is the mini courtyard. There were lots of these everywhere for a little peace and quiet.

This is the pool where I spent my mornings. The great thing about staying here is that most the kids and people were at the Disney parks already so the pool was very relaxing. Got lots of reading and lounging done here.

Pick a Door...

2011-05-30T19:53:00.000-05:00

Pick a Door, 7 x 10 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, 2011

Finished up a new painting this weekend. This one was inspired by a little about indecision....not the serious kind of decision making, but more like routes to choose concerning what type of snack to have or what color flip-flops...the fun kind of decisions.

This original painting "Pick a Door" is available for purchase in my Etsy Store.

Hope everyone had a great memorial day weekend. I read a book a day and it was wonderful, I feel like I enrolled in the local library summer reading program like when I was in grade school!

Spring & Things

2011-05-22T21:11:00.000-05:00

Lots of fun Springy things have been happening lately. I've been enjoying watching my flowers and herbs grow a little bit everyday. This Icelandic Poppy has been hanging out for about a week and finally opened up!

This is also my first year starting a herb garden. These little herb-babies started coming up and then I realized that I probably should not have dumped the whole packed of seeds in one pot. Oops...I'll thin these out as they come up.

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Our home opens up in back to a bike trail with park, and ducks really enjoy the little waterway. Matt took some really great photos with a telephoto-lens. Here's a few photos....baby ducks are so cute, I mean really, seriously, super-duper cute...

Half the time you can't even see their heads, they're too busy eating away!

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Then there's the baby squirrels that were investigating our porch, checking out the bird seed I spilled and just about everything else they can get into.

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Matt also had his birthday last Friday so we had a grand time celebrating that!
Here is a lemon cake I made for the occasion.

Bakers Dozen - Upcoming show at Gallery Nucleus

2011-05-16T10:23:00.000-05:00

Here is the postcard advertising the upcoming show
Bakers Dozen: Illustrated Idioms by 13 Artists at Gallery Nucleus.

Exhibit showing: June 11 - July 4th

Reception: June 11th, 7 - 11pm

Gallery Nucleus, Alhambra CA

Exhibiting Artists: Ming Ong, You Byun, Paul Barnes, Brittney Lee, Matte Stephens, Dadu Shin, Catia Chien, Miki Sato, Nicole Gustafsson, Lorena Alverez, Ahren Hertel, Nico Duffaut, Daniela Volpan.

Visit Gallery Nucleus for more information about the upcoming show.

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Here are two of my illustrated idioms for the show, as well as a peek at two more paintings...

Birds of a Feather, 5x5 inches, Gouache & Ink, 2011


Mountain Out of a Molehill, 7x7 inches, Gouache & Ink, 2011

Sneak Peek...

In the Works

2011-05-02T13:02:00.001-05:00

Fall, 4 x 5 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, 2011

Here is a new piece added to my online shop. I'm working on a "season's series", and finished up "Spring" a couple weeks ago and skipped right to "Fall". (I couldn't decide how to portray summer... all I could think about was snowcones and other summer food, so until my mind refocuses on the nature aspects of summer, I'm skipping it for now)

"Fall" original painting is available here in my shop.

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I'm currently working on new pieces for an upcoming show this June at Gallery Nucleus. It's called "Bakers Dozen: Illustrated Idioms", and focuses on artists take on common phrases. Here are some sneak peeks of two of my pieces.

As more info on the show becomes available I'll post it here!

Art for Japan at Gallery Nucleus

2011-04-21T12:37:00.000-05:00

Guardian, 5x7, gouache & ink on paper, 2011

Gallery Nucleus is currently featuring Art for Japan, an online silent auction exhibit. 100% of the proceeds go towards Give2Asia & Artists Help Japan in delivering aid to Japan's Earthquake & Tsunami survivors.

This piece above was featured as a print on Tiny Showcase a couple weeks ago, but now the original is available as part of the silent auction at Gallery Nucleus. You can bid on my piece "Guardian" here!

Bidding runs from April 20th - April 24th 7:00pm (PST)
Check out Gallery Nucleus for all pieces in the Art for Japan show!

Check out my past blog post about my experience in Japan here!

Textile Tree

2011-04-20T13:15:00.002-05:00

Textile Tree, 7 x 7 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, 2011

My interest in textiles lately led to this little piece. My friends, family, and amazing artists all over, are doing really wonderful works with fabric. I would really like to know how to sew or crochet a blanket, but for now I'll just imagine (and paint) possibilities with cloth.

Update: This piece is available at Graham Gallery at Hastings, NE

Also a little note: I'm starting a Nimasprout Newsletter. Sign up to receive an occasional email about upcoming shows and projects, PLUS special discounts to my store for subscribers only!

Click here to sign up!

(Don't worry, I will not spam your inbox and you can opt out at anytime)

Hagrid and Fang

2011-04-19T12:44:00.000-05:00

Here is a piece I did for Gallery Nucleus's Tribute to Harry Potter blog. This scene takes place after Buckbeak the Hippogriff and Sirius Black are freed, and Hagrid and Fang take a moment after an eventful day.

Hagrid & Fang, 4 x 5 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, 2011

Check out Gallery Nucleus for all the Harry Potter submissions.

Original paintings added to shop!

2011-04-11T09:07:00.000-05:00

I've added seven original paintings to my online Etsy shop! Check it out here.

Spring

2011-04-07T10:43:00.001-05:00

Looks like Spring is here to stay (no more snow!).
I saw some magnolia tree's a blooming over someones fence and they looked simply wonderful.

Spring, 3.25 x 4.25 inches, Gouache & Ink on paper, 2011

Here is a little piece I did for Spring. It is ~~available~~ for purchase in my online shop.
Update: SOLD

Show at Priaire Winds

2011-04-05T13:26:00.000-05:00

Thanks everyone who came out for the reception on Friday.
The show will be up until the end of the month and all works are available for purchase at Prairie Winds.

Painting by Nicole Gustafsson | Ceramic by Cody Carson Brown

Photography by Todd Brown | Ceramic by Cody Carson Brown


Paintings by Nicole Gustafsson \| Ceramics by Cody Carson Brown

Fresh from the Garden, 9x9 inches, Gouache & Ink on wood, 2011

Nesting Nuthatch, 7 x 11 inches, Gouache & Ink on Wood, 2011

Mornin' MacGillivray, 9 x 9 inches, Gouache & Ink on wood, 2011

The Keeper, 7 x 11 inches, Gouache & Ink on wood, 2011

The Timekeeper, 5 x 7 inches, Gouache & Ink on Wood, 2011

Copacabana, 7 x 11 inches, Gouache & Ink on wood, 2011

Print for Japan at Tiny Showcase

2011-04-01T11:38:00.001-05:00

Guardian

Paper Size: 8x10 inches

Edition of 100

~~$25.00~~ SOLD OUT

($15 of each print is donated to Red Cross relief for Japan Earthquake and Pacific tsunami)

Available at Tiny Showcase

UPDATE: Edition is sold out. Thank you everyone for raising $1500 for disaster relief in Japan.

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In 2007 I had the pleasure of visiting Ozu, Japan through a home-stay program. There I worked with high school art students and with other area artists. While the beauty, incredible history, and culture of Japan was breathtaking, it was the kindness of the people that touched my heart.

My alma mater, Hastings College, has a sister city program exchange, where people from Japan come and stay 10 days with members of the community, and we then, in turn, get to visit their town Ozu. We exchange ideas, local customs and food, and share what we do. It was an incredible experience for me, and for all those who take part say it is something they never forget and make lifelong friends in the process.

Like many who heard about the Earthquake and Tsunami that hit Japan, I was just stunned. Destruction like that is so hard to comprehend and as news and photos came in it was unbelievable. The generosity that I was shown while in Japan was incredibly touching and I will always remember it, and now, facing the wreckage of the earthquake and tsunami the people of Japan's courage and kindness is more apparent than ever. I did this piece specifically for the disaster relief fund, I felt like I needed to do something, however small it may be.

Working on a painting with area high school students.

Group shot of students at local High School

Increadable food spread at Welcoming Party

Gorgeous river valley. My host family thought I would like the park...and yes, yes I did.

Trying my hand at Sumi painting. (Holding the brush is very specific!)

Shimenawa around tree.

Most well groomed park I've ever seen.

Ceramic lesson with area artist.

Kummamoto Castle.

Upcoming Show at Prairie Winds

2011-03-22T10:40:00.001-05:00

Gearing up for a show with Todd Brown and Cody Carson Brown at Prairie Winds Art Center in Grand Island, Nebraska. I had the pleasure of showing with these two artists a couple years ago, and am looking forward to working with them again.

New Work By
Cody Carson Brown | Nicole Gustafsson | Todd Brown
Prairie Winds Art Center
112 W. 3rd Street | Grand Island, NE 68801 | 308-381-4001

Showing April 1st - 30th, 2011
Reception: Friday, April 1st, 5:30 - 8:30pm

Here's a sneak peek of some of my new pieces...

New Notecards in Shop!

2011-03-19T10:19:00.001-05:00

Just added a "Pantone Forest" 4 notecard set to my shop.
These single sided notecards feature some of my favoite paintings from the Pantone Forest series.

Check out my shop to purchase. Thanks!

Interview for Handmadeology

2011-03-16T09:46:00.003-05:00

This week Anne Burton of Beantown Handmade interviewed me for Handmadeology. Handmadeology is a site featuring tips, advise, and more on handmade culture. It's a great place to find info on Etsy, selling, and resources for small business owners.

I first met Anne here in Nebraska during an artists residency, and also took a really lovely bookbinding class from her. She runs a handmade business featuring handmade sweaters, hats, and other wonderful items for pets, as well as a new series for us humans too! Thanks Anne for the interview!

Check out the complete interview here at Handmadeology!

Art Blocks for Ghana - Auction Now Live!

2011-03-14T09:09:00.001-05:00

Just a quick note to say that the Art Blocks for Ghana are now live on ebay.
Bidding will be open until March 20th.

Proceeds will go towards providing boarding and education in Ghana, West Africa.

NOTE: Facing the recent disaster in Japan and Asia, The Picture Book Project Foundation will be donating part of the proceeds from Art Blocks auction and events to help in the awareness and support Dice Tsutsumi's Efforts and Give2Asia.

Welcome, Gouache & Ink on Wood, 2010, Bid on this piece here

"The Picture Book Project Foundation and Gallery Nucleus present Art Blocks for Ghana – a charity art auction of original works created by top artists within the animation and illustration community to provide boarding and education for orphaned children in Ghana, West Africa.

The Picture Book Project Foundation is a non-profit organization that gives artists and art enthusiasts an opportunity to help and inspire children in need. Their mission is to bring continued resources and support to orphaned and underserved children around the world, while extending the talent and good will of the artist community to communities of children in need."

To bid on my piece here. Also check out all the available Art Blocks for Ghana.

Beautiful Journey - Painting

2011-03-09T13:16:00.003-06:00

Beautiful Journey, Gouache & Ink on Wood, 2011

Here is a fun commission I did a couple months back. It was for a group called Nature Explore whose goal is to provide comprehensive resources that folks can use to help young children connect more deeply with the world around them.

One of the resources they help develop are nature explore classrooms around the country. I visited one when I was in Nebraska City a couple years back. It was really cool and the kids (and adults) were really enjoying it. There were logs and wood blocks and all sorts of fun things to explore.

One of the main themes in the piece I created was to "look closer" and there is always more to discover. It was really great learning more about the Nature Explore program and meeting the people involved. Thanks!

New "Happy Birthday" Cards

2011-03-03T13:13:00.000-06:00

I love getting mail...especially when it's new cards that I ordered from the printers.

Here is a new illustrated " Happy Birthday" card featuring a group of rabbit friends throwing
a birthday party and having a grand time eating some cake.

Visit my shop to purchase. Thank you!

Art Blocks for Ghana - NYC Fundraiser

2011-02-25T10:49:00.001-06:00

Welcome, 10 x 10, Gouache & Ink, 2010

Tomorrow is a preview for Art Blocks for Ghana where they will showcase works by top artists within the animation and illustration community to provide boarding and education for orphaned children in Ghana, West Africa. Above is my piece that will be on preview that night.

The New York Preview Fundraiser will allow people to view the works in person before they go up for Online Auction March 12th.

There will also be food, drinks, artists, and silent auction items that you can bid on that night.

Birds of a Feather, 5x7, Gouache & Ink on paper, 2011

Here is my piece that I donated for the silent auction, that people can bid on tomorrow.
Visit Art Blocks for Ghana for more information about the Preview Event.

Print for Tiny Showcase!

2011-02-22T18:42:00.006-06:00

"Absorbed"

By Nicole Gustafsson

Edition of 100

6 x 8 inches

~~$20.00~~
SOLD OUT

I'm super excited to be part of Tiny Showcase again! Tiny Showcase features high quality affordable prints, and portions of the proceeds go to a charity of the artists choosing. Below is information about the charity I chose.

"Nicole has chosen the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers as her artwork's charity. The Alliance for Young Artists & Writers identifies teenagers with exceptional artistic and literary talent and brings their work to a national audience through The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The Awards have a legacy dating back to 1923 and a noteworthy roster of past winners including Andy Warhol, Sylvia Plath, Truman Capote, Richard Avedon, Robert Redford and Joyce Carol Oates. The Awards are an important opportunity for students to be recognized for their creative talents. Teens in grades 7 through 12 can apply in 30 categories of art and writing for the chance to earn scholarships and have their works exhibited or published. $250 dollars from the sale of Nicole's artwork will be donated to the organization."

I chose this organization to support because I had the opportunity to participate in it when I was in high school. It was very exciting and it helped me gain confidence in my artwork! It is so important for young people to have the opportunity to showcase their strengths in the arts and and I am very thankful for the art events I got to participate in growing up.

Visit Tiny Showcase to purchase the print. Thanks!

Upcoming Show at West Nebraska Art Center

2011-02-21T10:35:00.001-06:00

SMALL TALES
New paintings by Nicole Gustafsson
West Nebraska Arts Center
106 E 18th Street | Scottsbluff, NE 69361 | 308-632-2226

Showing March 4 - 27, 2011
Reception: Friday, March 4th, 6 - 8pm

Birthday Sale

2011-02-14T09:06:00.001-06:00

Today is my birthday!
To celebrate use coupon code "ITSMYBDAY" to receive 20% OFF anything in my shop.
Just use the coupon code in checkout to receive your discount. Coupon is good for today only!

Have a great sweethearts day!

*Thank you accomplice-in-life for the wonderful cake*

Adventure in the Crystal Glades

2011-02-10T13:26:00.000-06:00

I just added some tee shirts to my online store!
The illustration features a rabbit explorer sailing in the mysterious crystal glades.

Available in sizes S - M - L
White ink printed on Heather Lake Blue colored T-shirt by American Apparel.
The t-shirt is at 50/50 blend of Poly-Cotton and Polyester making it a super soft comfortable t-shirt.

Sweethearts Card Set up in shop!

2011-02-06T08:59:00.000-06:00

Love is in the air!
New illustrated cards are now available in my shop in time for Valentine's Day or for an anytime surprise for your sweetheart.

Featuring four different illustrated designs:

Hug Kiss

Flutter

Smitten Kitten

Love Bunnies

Available in a 4 card set or individually in my online store.

Thanks for coming!

2011-02-05T12:21:00.004-06:00

Thank you everyone who made it out to Screen Ink last night for the reception!
It was great to see both new and familiar faces. Here's some photos from the evening.

There was live screen printing that night on t-shirts.
Here the color is being printed by the pro's at Screen Ink!

The show will be up at Screen Ink for the entire month of February.

Store Hours:

Monday thru Friday: 9am - 5pm

Pantone Forest Reception Tonight!

2011-02-04T09:33:00.001-06:00

Hung the show up yesterday, and it's always exciting to see everything come together. Stop on by tonight if your in the area. I'm baking cupcakes and their will be other snacks and fun stuff tonight!

PLUS there will be live screen printing with this illustration I created so bring a shirt ($10 to print on your own shirt) or you can buy one there for $15. (we will be printing with both white and navy so it doesn't matter if it's a light or dark shirt.)

Think Warm leafy Thoughts

2011-02-01T13:51:00.001-06:00

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory - Photo from their website.

It seems this winter as it gets colder and colder, I tend to want to escape to someplace warm (We're in a winter storm warning right now). I thought of my friend who lives up in Minnesota who gets blasted with snow even more than we do here in Nebraska....and do you know where she goes to de-thaw in the city? The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The Conservatory, 9.75 x 13.75, Gouache & Ink on Paper, 2011

I went there last year when I was visiting and was quite taken with the place. All the wonderful plants, and warm air, people just strolling around enjoying the scenery. The Como Conservatory is the inspiration behind this painting. I like visiting greenhouses anyway, but this was my first official conservatory. I think my perfect studio would be part plant room :)

Here are a few photos from my visit there last year.

For some reason I didn't take any photos of the building which was really interesting itself.

Upcoming Show at Screen Ink!

2011-01-27T13:09:00.002-06:00

Pantone Forest

Paintings by Nicole Gustafsson

Exhibit Showing February 4th - 25th

Reception: Friday, February 4th, 7:00pm - 10:00pm
At Screen Ink

416 South 11th Street | Lincoln, NE

If your in the area please stop on by for the reception next Friday.

There will be live screen printing on T-Shirts with a design I created, plus food & drink and friends!

Organizing in the New Year

2011-01-17T11:25:00.001-06:00

I find that it's always more productive to work in a clean organized space, so that has been my project for the New Year. I got some great little white drawers to have a spot for all my Etsy materials (envelopes, tags, bags, ribbon, labels).

It also gave me a better way to display my terrariums and various gems and minerals.

I also built this little coat hanger (scarf hanger for the moment) this weekend.

Painted pine board + white frame + hooks = finally a place to put my coat and hat when I come in the door!

Into the Twilight Zone, 11x11, Gouache & Ink, 2010 Evil-Lyn's Quiet Time, 11x11, Gouache & Ink, 2009

I'm making way for new work and having a mini studio sale. These two original paintings are looking for a new home. They are over 75% OFF their orginal price!!!

They are available for purchase at my Online Store!

Snow Day!

2011-01-10T12:01:00.001-06:00

Today was the first day where we got a "pretty snow" where I live in Nebraska, and also meanings that it's a SNOW DAY! All the schools are closed and many businesses are taking a day off. For me, I'm catching up on some design work and painting some new pieces for my upcoming show.

Here is a sampling of paintings that will be in my upcoming show at Screen Ink. All of these are painted on Rives BFK paper. I originally bought it (way too much!) for my printmaking because it is great for etchings, but I also found that it is great for painting too! It's nice and cushy/smooth to paint on. (Goodbye way-too-expensive watercolor paper - for now anyway!)

Have a great *snow* day!

New Paintings - New Shows!

2011-01-06T10:21:00.006-06:00


Fishing Fun, 15.25 x 11.5, Gouache & Ink on Paper, 2011

Here's the first painting of 2011! "Fishing Fun" is for a solo show at Screen Ink next month.
Lots of fun projects planned this year and below is a list of gallery shows that I will be participating in.

January - "Is This Thing on?" 100 Artists take aim at funny people" at Gallery 1988 Melrose, Los Angeles, CA

February - "Pantone Forest" Solo Show at Screen Ink, Lincoln, NE

March - "Art Blocks for Ghana" at Gallery Nucleus, Alhambra CA

April - Three Person Show with Todd Brown & Cody Carson Brown at Prairie Winds, Grand Island, NE

May - Open!

June - "10th Anniversary of Wet Hot American Summer" Gallery 1988 Venice, Venice, CA

July - "Crazy 4 Cult 5 at Gallery 1988 Melrose - Los Angeles, CA
August - Open!
September - "Tribute To Old-School Video Games" Gallery 1988 Venice, Venice CA
October - "Solo Show" at Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts, Nebraska City, NE

November - "Gifts from the Heart" at Lux Center for the Arts, Lincoln, NE

December - "Holiday Showcase" at Graham Gallery, Hastings, NE

There are also a few events still in the works such as a book release this summer!

I also hope to do the Desert Bus for Hope fundraiser again next November.

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For folks in Nebraska my work can be seen in person at Graham Gallery and
the Lux Center for the Arts in their gallery year round.

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My work is also available at my online store!

Check it out for new cards, t-shirts, tote bags, and original paintings

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For those of you who want to stay connected join my Facebook page "nimasprout"

T witter for announcements, thoughts and the occasional free art giveaways!

For the Birds

2010-12-28T09:35:00.003-06:00

Bullfinch, 3x3, Gouache & Ink, 2010

For the last month or two, lots of little birds have been visiting our porch (now identified as Dark-Eyed Junco's thanks to facebook friends and their sweet bird identifying skills). The porch is right next to where I paint and do my design work so I've been really enjoying their fluttering about.

Purple Finch, 3 x 3, Gouache & Ink, 2010

Northern Saw-Whet Owl, 3 x 3, Gouache & Ink 2010

I've since bought and received (thanks!) bird books to use for reference, and needless to say birds will be my new subject matter for a while!

These three little feathered friends were given as x-mas gifts. I really enjoyed painting these and might include some in an upcoming show at Prairie Winds in Grand Island this April.

Update: Desert Bus & Mario

2010-12-14T13:28:00.002-06:00

"Super Mario Galaxy", 5x7, Gouache & Ink, 2010

Back in November, Desert Bus for Hope had a fundraiser for Child's Play. The event raised a grand total of $208,349.82! They beat last years goal and raised money to give toys and games to children in Hospitals this holiday season.

One of my donations for Desert Bus's silent auction was a custom 5×7 original gouache painting on paper, featuring the winner bidders favorite video game. (I also threw in a t-shirt & custom painted ornaments to sweeten the deal).

The winning bidder choose Super Mario Galaxy for the inspiration behind their piece. Now I had never played this specific game but I am a HUGE Mario fan. So I did the best painting "research" ever and borrowed the game and played away. It is an amazingly beautiful game and joy to play!!! It certainly helped me do this little painting above with Mario and a little star "Luma".

I just want to say "Thank You" to the winning bidder for their generosity and helping raise money for Desert Bus & Child's play.

10% Off Coupon Code

2010-12-07T09:10:00.001-06:00

I'm having a sale in my online store.

Just use coupon code "PEPPERMINT" in checkout to receive 10% off anything in my shop.

There are original paintings, hand-painted ornaments, tee shirts, cards, and prints!

Sale going on now until Wednesday evening.

Birds + Crystals

2010-12-03T11:24:00.001-06:00

"Poof", 5x7, Gouache & Ink, 2010

Here is a little piece I did a couple weeks ago for the Holiday Showcase at Graham Gallery, in Hastings, NE. It is part of my bird + crystal series inspired by a recent trip to a sweet Rock & Gem exhibit.

There was this incredible crystal there, and it just mystifies me how they got it from the site intact without any of the delicate crystals breaking.

I also got some bird seed to incise some birds to my porch, so far I haven't been able to identify what kind they are but they are super adorable and make me smile (and my cats tail flick with keen interest!).

This painting and the others in the series are available at Graham Gallery till the end of the month.

Leaf Jump!

2010-11-29T09:15:00.001-06:00

Here is a t-shirt that I designed and had printed at Screen Ink here in town (pssst....I'm having a show there this February!!!).

These shirts printed on American Apparel tri-blend which is a super comfortable (think your favorite vintage tshirt that is amazingly soft).

"Leaf Jump" T-shirts are available in my Etsy store.

Desert Bus for Hope!

2010-11-20T10:14:00.008-06:00

I love playing video games. I grew up playing Mario with my friends and sisters and lots of fun times then and now. I was happy to donate a piece of art (and a custom piece) for Desert Bus for Hope to raise funds for Child's Play who provides games, books, and toys for children in hospitals.

Child's Play was created by web comic Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik of Penny Arcade.
"Since 2003, we’ve set up and organized Child’s Play, a game industry charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with toys and games in our network of over 40 hospitals worldwide. In four short years, you as a community have answered the call and come together to raise millions of dollars."

"Treasure!" 5 x 7, Gouache & Ink, 2010

My pieces on the silent auction go live tomorrow. One of my favorite games was "The Legend of Zelda: Windwaker", and I based my painting around Link treasure hunting for rupees.

Bid on my painting "Treasure!" based on the video game "Legend of Zelda: Windwaker" ~~here~~! SOLD for $1,500!

Bid on my custom piece (original painting based on your favorite video game) ~~here!~~ SOLD for $1,702!

There's lots of great artwork artwork and bid get some really cool stuff, while providing children in hospitals with gifts to brighten their day.

Craftacular Today!

2010-11-18T12:02:00.000-06:00

Tonight is the Craftacular event at Zen's here in Lincoln!

5:00pm - 8:00pm

At Zen's Martini Lounge | 122 N. 11th Street, Lincoln, NE

I'll have original paintings, prints, cards, T-shirts, and hand-painted ornaments. Hope to see you there!

Winter Wonderland Cards

2010-11-15T13:30:00.000-06:00

Just got my holiday cards in and added to my shop!

And for one night only I will have a table at Craftacular at Zen's here in Lincoln. It's Thursday night from 5 - 8pm. Come on by and see what local artists are up to and get some early x-mas shopping in!

What a Gem!

2010-11-12T09:52:00.004-06:00

A couple weeks ago in October I went and visited my college buddies in Colorado. When asked what sites would be fun to see the Denver Museum of Nature & Science came up. I'm all for museums and stuff like that so I was all for it. Holy Cow! This is one sweet place to see....you could be age 7 or 70 everyone would enjoy it. They had taxidermy displays, imax, dinosaur fossils & skeletons, but my personal favorite was the Rock & Mineral Collection.

Now I've always been a rock hound, as previously mentioned....but this exhibit blew me away. I loved all the little pedestals for the crystals and the assortment of specimens was incredible. (My accomplice took lots of photos of the minerals for me to use as reference for paintings). Here are two of the paintings inspired by this lovely trip to the Denver Museum.

"Splendid Fairy-Wren", 8.5 x 4.5, Gouache & Ink on Wood, 2010 Gypsum at Museum

"Chit Chat, 5 x 7, Gouache & Ink on Wood, 2010 Quartz at Museum

Here are a few of my of my favorite displays at the exhibit. I thankful my friends patience while I looked at every shiny thing and bauble...and that's saying something because this was a pretty big exhibit!

After that I pretty much went into a frenzied state buying little rock samples and crystals at the gift shop to add to my own collection. And if THAT wasn't enough to satisfy my rock hunger, later that day we went to a pumpkin patch....that had a rock sluicing setup (intended for the 5 - 12 age, but I shamelessly went twice what kind of goodies I could get from the little bags of dirt and sifted out all sorts of shiny rocks.)

Here's a little video of me sluicing for rocks & crystals.

It was a great trip to Denver and great to see my buddies again. I highly recommend checking out the Museum there...and if you've already been there...GO AGAIN!

*Thanks accomplice for the great museum photos and video*

nimasprout - Art by Nicole Gustafsson

Celebration

Woodland Shade Mini Paintings Now Available Online!

All My Murrays - Print Release at Gallery1988

New Painting - Woodland Procession

Toshi LOVES Snow.

Woodland Shade at the Lux Center

PRISMA Artist Collective

A Special Treehouse

Tanuki Time Print on Tiny Showcase

Adult Swim show at Gallery 1988

In the Woodland Shade - Upcoming February Show

Happy Holiday's

Free Shipping within U.S.!

Tree + House

Happy Friday!

Etsy Holiday Sale!

Magic the Gathering Tribute Art Auction Today!

"Afternoon on Yoshi Island" Auction Today!

Holiday Cards Are Here!

Upcoming Desert Bus for Hope 5

Craftacular - November 9th!

Please Post Bills Opening

Please Post Bills at Gallery 1988

Happy Halloween!

2nd Annual Bad Dads: Tribute to Wes Anderson

Craftacular 2011 coming November 9th

Upcoming Bad Dads Show at Spoke Art

Branched Oak Camping Trip

Haunted Giveaway!

Spooky Card Sets are here!

Camping Weekend!

Spoke Art and Beyond Eden Art Fair

Yearly Pilgramage...to the Pumpkin Patch!

Old School Video Game Art Show at Gallery 1988

NEW! Sculpted Pins/Brooches

Show's up in Nebraska City!

PAX Prime 2011

Through the Thicket

Upcoming show in Nebraska City

Super iam8bit opens tonight!

Announcing - Beard the Immortal!

Play ball! (kinda sorta)

Fresh from the shop

Upcoming Iam8bit show!

Family Tree

Crazy 4 Cult Show Available Online

Crazy 4 Cult #5 - Opening tonight!

Happy 4th

Etching Process & Sale!

Invitational Show at Gallery 9

Crazy 4 Cult #5 - Upcoming show at Gallery 1988

Upcoming Harry Potter Tribute Show!

Camp Firewood

Bakers Dozen - Illustrated Idiom Show at Gallery Nucleus

Wet Hot American Summer - Tribute Show at Gallery 1988

Oaxacan Wood Carving

Disney Adventure

Pick a Door...

Spring & Things

Bakers Dozen - Upcoming show at Gallery Nucleus

In the Works

Art for Japan at Gallery Nucleus

Textile Tree

Hagrid and Fang

Original paintings added to shop!

Spring

Show at Priaire Winds

Print for Japan at Tiny Showcase

Shimenawa around tree.

Upcoming Show at Prairie Winds

New Work By Cody Carson Brown | Nicole Gustafsson | Todd BrownPrairie Winds Art Center112 W. 3rd Street | Grand Island, NE 68801 | 308-381-4001Showing April 1st - 30th, 2011Reception: Friday, April 1st, 5:30 - 8:30pm

New Notecards in Shop!

Interview for Handmadeology

Art Blocks for Ghana - Auction Now Live!

Beautiful Journey - Painting

New "Happy Birthday" Cards

Art Blocks for Ghana - NYC Fundraiser

Print for Tiny Showcase!

Upcoming Show at West Nebraska Art Center

New Work By
Cody Carson Brown | Nicole Gustafsson | Todd Brown
Prairie Winds Art Center
112 W. 3rd Street | Grand Island, NE 68801 | 308-381-4001

Showing April 1st - 30th, 2011
Reception: Friday, April 1st, 5:30 - 8:30pm

SMALL TALES
New paintings by Nicole Gustafsson
West Nebraska Arts Center
106 E 18th Street | Scottsbluff, NE 69361 | 308-632-2226

Showing March 4 - 27, 2011
Reception: Friday, March 4th, 6 - 8pm

Think Warm leafy Thoughts