“It’s not just a brush, it’s an experience. A ritual. It’s life changing and it’s your life.”

Artist Spotlight: Nicole Maye Luga

I am passionate about painting. I started drawing and making things with my hands as far back as I can remember. I have a high visuospatial memory and can recall images before I could walk. I remember being fascinated by light, shape, the textures of objects. I continued throughout childhood making things and a week after high school I started studying at The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, America’s oldest Art Academy. I received my four-year diploma in painting and completed the Master’s Program.

Spruce Street Line – Oil on panel, 14×48

I now split my time between my studio and my watch bench. I work full time as a watchsmith. I spend my days fixing tiny little machines and nights painting in my studio. With this schedule I am producing over 30 paintings a year. I show regularly in group exhibits in museums, national juried shows, and universities. This year I will have three solo shows. I also serve on the board of the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Fellowship and help curate their virtual gallery. I am represented by The F.A.N. gallery and The Hammond Harkins Gallery.

My work reflects my commitment to painting the world as I see it in the most honest, direct way possible. Just like I did as a child, I am always observing details around me and carefully composing my paintings. My intent is to capture a fleeting glimpse of the shared human experience. I carefully render details in my work to give a sense of place. My goal is for the viewer to enter the work on their own terms, their own experiences, with no need for explanation. I always thought painting was magical, how it can have a life of its own and make us feel so much with no words.

Friendship Gate – Oil on panel, 18×12

I am a firm believer in quality tools. I have used Rosemary Handmade Brushes exclusively for years. My favorite brush is the Snowdrop number 0 to capture the finest of details with the most control over the mark. The brush is resilient and, with care, can be used for multiple sessions, which is remarkable due to its fine size.

I strive to make my painting surfaces engaging from all distances, pulling you in, and once close, have dynamic surface textures. That is why the Bravura is also regularly used. These brushes create lush painterly effects with ease and are robust. I was told once that painting is hard enough; invest in yourself, get the best tools available to you.