Wildlife artist Young returns to the Lowveld

“I would consider myself a conservationist first and an artist second but that seems to be changing! I have always been passionate about Africa and the amazing natural diversity we have in this country.
“I held a private pilot’s license for many years, was an enthusiastic open water scuba diver and stayed fit as a black belt proponent of JKA karate.
“I consider myself a dreamer and I enjoy expressing myself in art and music, playing the piano and guitar when I get the chance,” Nicki told the Herald.
Her development as an artist has taken a roundabout route. She began her art career in 1979 after being encouraged by her late wildlife veterinarian husband, Eddie Young.

She started working in pen and ink in the pointillism style to illustrate books, magazine and newspaper articles to promote wildlife conservation.
She soon discovered a love for colour after switching to acrylic paint and aimed to portray her intimate knowledge of animal anatomy and behaviour to the easel in her true-to-life style.
“I have spent most of my life living in the bush or in a natural environment. I am not a lover of city life and enjoy living simply.
“What gives me joy is being close to nature and waking up to the amazing views in Hoedspruit. This is where I draw my inspiration for my art and I try to portray the awe I feel on my canvas.

“I have enjoyed sketching for as long as I can remember but instead of pursuing a fine arts degree as was recommended, I opted for studying nature conservation. Other than taking art as a subject at school, I have no formal training in art,” she said.
“Eddie was the first person who actively encouraged me to develop my art.
“For my own pleasure I began painting with acrylics and the walls of our home, that of our family and friends became my ‘gallery’,” she added.

Tragedy struck when she lost her husband in an aircraft accident in 1990 and after this devastating loss Nicki did not pick up a paintbrush for many years, concentrating instead on raising their two young children, running the game farm and doing wildlife rehabilitation work.
“After ten years I left the Kruger Park and moved to the north coast of Zululand where I made a living working as a whale-watching guide and first mate on a charter yacht. My art was again placed on the back burner.”
Following a new dream, she sold all her possessions and prepared to sail the world on her 48foot yacht.

After being inspired by wildlife pastel artists on YouTube in 2017, Nicki again turned to art to express herself, carefully arranging her paper and pastels in the challenging moving ‘studio’ on the table in the saloon of the yacht.
This time the art bug could not be ignored and her longing for the bush became too loud to be silenced.
In 2019 she returned to her beloved Lowveld, surrounded by wildlife and birds, from which she draws her inspiration.
She now lives close to Hoedspruit on the banks of the Olifants River with her youngest son and two cats and works full-time as a wildlife artist.

Also read: Self-taught 19-year-old artist is making name for herself

She has switched to oils as the richness and texture of oil paint perfectly suits her realistic and detailed style.
“I missed the bush so much.
“I really enjoy having a paintbrush in my hand and being able to express myself on large canvases.
“This is how I fill my days now and selling art is my main source of income.
“I live in a wooden house and feel content and at peace here,” she said.

Nicki says she is inspired by South African painters Peter Stewart, Lute Vink, Fuz Caforio and international artists like Stephan Alsac.
“My dream is to reach that level of proficiency.
“I was honoured by receiving an international BoldBrush award in November last year and that gave me a lot of exposure.
“I have also recently been approached by a gallery in New York, but I don’t really have stock as my work thankfully sells within days of being put on my social media sites and my webpage.

“I am quite busy with commissions, and no one is more surprised than I am at the success I have been enjoying,” she added.
Her work is found in private collections in South Africa, England, Canada, India, New Zealand, Australia and Spain, and at game lodges in the Lowveld and in the corporate world in Johannesburg.
She has exhibited in various galleries and other venues but she counts the BoldBrush award as her best achievement.
“The competition is tough and Hoedspruit is not only a wildlife hub but also a mecca for wildlife artists.

“In between painting commissions, I paint scenes that ‘talk to me’ and I strive to improve with every painting.
“I am a harsh critic, as every artist is. I am excited about the future and start painting every day at around nine ‘o clock, working on average for six hours a day.
“I wish I could paint with both hands at the same time!”
Nicki said she welcomes new commissions.
She can be contacted on 082 362 9046 or visit her website nickiyoungfineart.com. Follow her on Facebook as Nicki Young Wildlife Art and Instagram as ArtofAfrica.