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.

Achievements
Tertiary Qualifcaitons
Bachelor Of Commerce (BCom) Majoring in Marketing Management & International Business | University Of Otago
Bachelor Of Design (BDes) Majoring in Design Communication | Otago Polytechnic
Exhibitions, awards & features
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

Exhibitions, awards & features (con't)
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 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 McLeay’s fine art while watching a digital display of the artists process via time-lapse. The works on show change frequently as new pieces are completed fresh off the easel. Visiting the gallery can easily be arranged by appointment or when it is open for public viewing.
Lighthouse Gallery is situated at Lighthouse Beach, one kilometre south of the Tacking Point Surf Club opposite the famous Camel Safari along one of Australia's most majestic coastlines.
Open most days 10am-5pm, call ahead to avoid disappointment.
Contact Jacki for enquiries
Phone: 0448380725
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.
*Due to COVID 19 ongoing airline and customs delays are likely. It is highly recommend to use an international courier which includes tracking & signature on delivery + full insurance cover.
publications
Focus Magazine
Focus is the all gloss, all free guide to local living. 74,000 copies each month are distributed covering the Coffs Coast, Manning-Great Lakes and New England areas of NSW, Australia.
Featured interview , See Pages 18-20
Click here to view the 2020 Publication:https://issuu.com/focus.mag/docs/augustissuu
Discover Magazine
A high quality locally published bi-annual visitor magazine distributed throughout the Greater Port Macquarie region.
Cover Artwork by Nicola Mcleay & write up on Lighthouse Gallery, See Pages 20-21
Click here to download the 2019 Publication (PDF)
https://issuu.com/discovermediaaustralia/docs/discover_winter_2019_web
Write up on Lighthouse Gallery, See pages 15-17
Click here to download the 2020 Publication (PDF):
https://issuu.com/discovermediaaustralia/docs/discover_summer_2019.20_web__1_
Eat See Do
The Port Macquarie Region's official visitor guide, packed with great trip ideas, suggested itineraries, and all the things you can eat, see and do!
Lighthouse Gallery, See Page 102
Click here to download the 2020 Publication (PDF):
https://issuu.com/pmqtourism/docs/esd_2019_a5_visitor_guide_issuu