Nicole Roberts
Artist Bio
Nicole Roberts is an accomplished painter and visual artist whose work spans mediums and styles, bringing vibrant and emotive pieces to life for both personal and commissioned projects. With a strong foundation in fine arts and design, Nicole’s paintings have been featured in a variety of settings, from private collections to bespoke interior spaces. Her journey into visual art began at an early age and was shaped by formal education at the University of Oregon, Oregon State, San Jose State, and California College of the Arts, where she developed her unique perspective and honed her craft.
Over two decades running a design agency in San Francisco, Nicole cultivated a multifaceted skill set that includes brand identity, book cover design, and photography, which she initially explored using her father's Pentax film camera. Although she is now based in San Diego, Nicole's global travels—spanning 17 countries—have enriched her work and connected her to diverse communities and cultures, inspiring her current focus on portraits and expressive, story-driven art.
Nicole's photography experience includes collaborations with renowned photographers such as John Brennan, Hugh Harline, Mel Lindstrom, Glen Matsmera, and Edward Richardson. This background adds depth to her painting, allowing her to capture dynamic perspectives and an intimate understanding of light and form. Nicole is particularly drawn to the human experience, and she finds inspiration in portraying the unique stories of LGBTQ+ individuals, dancers, and artists.
From her San Diego studio, Nicole continues to explore and blend the worlds of painting and photography, working alongside her partner, Elizabeth, and capturing the vibrant energy of queer life and artistic expression.