Artist profile
A New Zealand born professional fine artist and owner of Lighthouse Gallery living in Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia.
While studying a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor Of Design at the University Of Otago in New Zealand, Nicola acquired her first taste for developing a career in the art world. She worked as a gallery assistant and framing advisor for The Rosslyn Gallery, Dunedin, in 2007 where she also exhibited her first painting. Clients commented on Nicola's technical skill as an emerging realism artist and the artwork was purchased. This affirmation was quite humbling and became a turning point in the realisation that potentially life as a full time artist could be possible.
"I was in my element amongst all of the wonderful pieces of New Zealand art, immersed in what I was passionate about. It was fantastic liaising with customers, fellow artists, refining sales strategies, setting up and designing exhibitions and marketing the business. Learning how the company was run was very interesting and inspiring for me. From this experience I knew I wanted the best of both worlds, to run my own successful commercial art gallery and also be a professional artist." - Nicola McLeay
Nicola grew up on a high country farm in West Otago in the South Island of New Zealand. A picturesque but very challenging environment from snow blizzards, spring blossoms and lush green hills. This lifestyle undoubtedly became the foundation of her appreciation for the beauty of nature and combined with her creative flair, encapsulates the artist you see today.
Predominantly Nicola is recognised both in Australia and New Zealand for her finely detailed landscape realism paintings. She continues to provide private collectors with her work internationally in USA, Europe, UK, and Asia.
Nicola McLeay
Nicola's works of art have become increasingly desirable as she displays her constantly evolving style, technical skill and eye for detail. Dealing with commercial, private collection, corporate art leasing, home staging and sales has seen her grow in reputation and demand.
Achievements
Tertiary Qualifcaitons
Bachelor Of Commerce (BCom)Â Majoring in Marketing Management & International Business |Â University Of Otago
Bachelor Of Design (BDes)Â Majoring in Design Communication |Â Otago Polytechnic
Exhibitions, awards & features
2024: Northern Exposure 8 Exhibition | Glasshouse Regional Gallery
2023: Peoples Choice | Top 10 Australian Bluethumb Art Prize
2022: Finalist | Australian Bluethumb Art Prize
2020: Group exhibition & live painting demo | Arthouse Industries, AU
2020: Solo exhibition | Satellite Event, ArtWalk PMQ, AU
2020: Published artist | Interview feature for August Focus Magazine, AU
2020: Group exhibition ‘Northern Exposure 6’ | Glasshouse Regional Gallery, AU
2020: Video feature interview ’Northern Exposure 6’ | Glasshouse Regional Gallery, AU
2020: Featured artist | February Bluethumb Gallery, AU
2019: Published artist | Cover artwork for Discover Magazine, AU
2019: Solo exhibition | Satellite Event, Lighthouse Gallery, ArtWalk PMQ, AU
2019: 2nd place | PMQ Arts Society 43rd Easter Exhibition Open Section, AU
2019: Solo exhibition | CWA, Port Macquarie, AU
2018: 1st place | PMQ Arts Society 43rd Easter Exhibition Open Section, AU
2016: Published artist | 'Artists Impressions of New Zealand' Art Calendar, NZ
2016: Published artist | 'South Island Lions Club' Art Calendar, NZ
2015: Published artist | 'Contemporary New Zealand' Art Calendar, NZ
2015: Commended | Hutchins Contemporary Art Prize, AU
2015: Commended | WCCAC The Trusts Art & Sculpture Awards, NZ
2014: 2nd place | International Art Competition, USA
2014: 3rd place | Australian Wilson Visual Arts Awards, AU
2013:Â Finalist | Australian Wilson Visual Arts Awards, AU
Lighthouse Gallery
Lighthouse Gallery is Nicola's physical exhibition space located in Port Macquarie, NSW, Australia. It showcases her original artworks and has a focus on sharing with the public one-off pieces that are for sale of the region and wider parts of Australia and New Zealand.
Attractive leasing options and personalised commissions are available in a range of sizes, media and mediums. Visitors are welcome to linger and absorb the beauty of Nicola's fine art while watching a digital display of her process via time-lapse. Works on show change frequently as new pieces are completed fresh off the easel.
The gallery is situated at a tourism hotspot at Lighthouse Beach, 1km south of the Tacking Point Surf Club and opposite the famous Camel Safari along one of Australia's most majestic coastlines. Visiting can easily be arranged by appointment or when it is open for public viewing. To avoid disappointment, please call ahead.
Open 10am-3pm | Wed-Sun
Contact Jacki for enquiries
Phone: +61 4 48380725
Email: lighthousegallery@outlook.com
Shipping
Artworks will be shipped out 1-3 business days after purchase has been made, unless stated on the website. Shipping calculator can be found on the Shop page.
Domestic
Australian Post is used for smaller works. For Larger works Nicola prefers to use DHL or Pack & Send.
International
Every country has its own import duty and customs regulations. Getting the official paperwork right is imperative for a smooth delivery. Nicola is not responsible for any Custom fees that your country may request in order to release the goods.
Personalied Commissions
An approximate quote based on weight and size can be given pre-commencement of a commission. The final price will be given once the work is packaged and ready for shipment.