Get to know Nicole Suptic, a West Virginia artist who specializes in portrait-related artworks and creations. Drawing has always been an important part of her life leading her to develop a strong connection to the arts at a young age. She has a BA in Fine Art from Concord University with a focus on advanced drawing and painting. Learn more about Nicole with our Q&A:

My work primarily involves realism and portraiture that focuses on individuality, expression, and personality.

How do you describe your art?

My work primarily involves realism and portraiture that focuses on individuality, expression, and personality. People have the innate ability to show character through their facial expressions and body language. An expression written on a person’s face can display a strong mood or a feeling. As an artist, I like to recreate these expressions to capture personality and illustrate moments in time.

What inspired you to specialize in portraits?

I was drawn by an artist at the West Virginia State Fair in Lewisburg around the age of seven. Several years later, I rediscovered this drawing and decided to challenge myself to recreate the artwork myself. I continued to challenge myself to improve my work and I have been creating portraits ever since that day.

What’s your greatest accomplishment?

Currently, I would say my greatest accomplishment was winning an award in the Juried Exhibition through the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History.

“I find the most inspiration when I look at artwork created by other artists.”

How do you find your inspiration?

I find the most inspiration when I look at artwork created by other artists. I love visiting museums and looking at artwork. It really helps me to study how other artists create. Seeing work created by other artists is truly what drives me to continue creating.

What obstacles do you need to overcome to find your creative space/muse?

Sometimes I have to immerse myself in other art to push myself into my creative space and make it happen. Oftentimes, that helps put me in my element.

What advice do you have for other artists?

Never give up creating. Sometimes it can be extremely difficult to be an artist, but it is always worth it to continue doing what you love by creating art that you enjoy.

“In 2019, I completed a self-portrait themed around the “Country Roads” of West Virginia.”

What is your favorite portrait you’ve made and why?

In 2019, I completed a self-portrait themed around the “Country Roads” of West Virginia. I included a lot of colors in the portrait which was representational of a bright sunset. I combined the portrait with an image of a country road photographed by Sheena Pendley, which I enclosed within the shape of West Virginia. The artwork was primarily inspired by my grandmother and her love for the state and how it represents home.

How can our readers purchase your art?

People can view more on my website at NicArtistic.com and check out a collection of my artwork and other commissions I’ve completed in the past. I focus a lot on drawings of people and pet portraits. My favorite artwork to create lately is special portraits of pups or kitties. Everyone is welcome to send me their favorite photographs to my e-mail and we can discuss what type of artwork would work best for a portrait.

What is the best way for our readers to contact you?

The best way is to contact me is by e-mail at: nicartistic@gmail.com. My work can also be found on all social media platforms @NicArtistic. I’m on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and more. I look forward to hearing from you!

– HashtagWV #132. June 2021.