A colorful painting depicting a lush, tropical garden with large leaves, vibrant flowers, and staring totem-like statues. Two figures sit at a table, one pouring a beverage for the other, amidst the vivid foliage and patterned background.

Artworks

A portfolio from Kanj Nicholas showcasing a curated selection of works across the diverse mediums of acrylic, oil, watercolour and felted textiles.

Acrylic

Kanj's acrylic paintings are characterised by a bold use of colour and intricate patterns, reflecting her passion for vibrancy and dynamic expression. Her work delves into the interactions between people and places, uncovering narratives embedded within communities. Through a methodical process of layering color, mark-making, and pattern, she creates compositions that evolve gradually, emphasizing the joy of creation over the final outcome.

Book Illustrations

Kanj works in acrylics, slowly building layers with vibrant colours, pattern and mark-making, to create her exuberant and unique illustrations. Her children’s book, ‘Imagine If We Could Fly’, is inspired by her daughter Anya, who sets off on her imaginative adventures, making friends along the way. It is a colourful and artistic book about friendships, of accepting each other’s differences, of having the freedom to dream and be creative.

Imagine If We Could Fly - Internal Page Spread

“What makes Kanj’s work so arresting is her instinctive use of vibrant colours, not merely for decoration, but as a storytelling device. Each hue is purposeful, capturing the essence of a scene: the golden heat of a sun-soaked afternoon, the serene calm of an ancient woodland or the imagined childhood world of her illustrations.”

- Julia Timmins, Artist

Felted Textiles

Kanj's passion for felted textiles extends her painting practice, allowing her to "paint" with fibres instead of traditional paints. Using the wet felting technique, she creates textile art that has evolved organically through years of exploration and experimentation. Committed to refining her craft, she continues to develop her techniques, expand her skills, and share her expertise through workshops.

Oil

Kanj embraces oil painting as a meaningful avenue for artistic growth, continually refining her techniques and skills. She is particularly drawn to painting en plein air, where direct observation of nature allows her to capture its colors, textures, and forms in an impressionistic style. This practice reflects her dedication to deepening her connection to the natural world through her art.

Watercolours

Kanj's watercolor works are deeply inspired by the natural world, serving as intuitive responses to her sensory experiences—what she sees, hears, and feels in the moment. Through fluid brushstrokes, she captures the essence of natural shapes and forms, with a particular focus on patterns within the landscape. Delicate details added with fine liner pens bring an additional layer of depth and vibrancy, infusing her paintings with life and texture.

Like A Tree - Bend Before You Break, 2020

Autumn Promises New Growth in the Next Season, 2018

Let Go Of One Season Ready For the Next, 2018

When One Door Closes, Another Opens, 2019

Let Seeds of Creativity Burst and Scatter, 2018

Artworks

Acrylic

Book Illustrations

Felted Textiles

Oil

Watercolours

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