First Friday Featuring the works of Dan Nicholl

This First Friday (October 1st 2021) Create Art and Tea will be Featuring the works of Dan Nicholl in Support of On the Spectrum Foundation. On the spectrum is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to the identification, diagnosis, and advocacy of adults who are on the spectrum, as well as those with accompanying conditions such as Dyslexia. Their goal is to empower adults on the ASD spectrum and increase awareness of how Asperger’s many strengths and talents improve society for everybody.

Writing from: “What We Do” accessed September,18, 2021, https://www.onthespectrumfoundation.org/

About Dan Nicholl

For 60 years, Dan Nicholl concentrated his talents on architectural illustration and fine art.  He was one of a group of illustrators, including John Hollingsworth, Ross Barr, Wayne Smith, Dave Purciel and Bill Hilliard, who began their careers in the Los Angeles area during the "golden decade of development" that started in the mid 60's. In recent years, Dan's illustrations have been brought to life through computer animation working in conjunction with Gary Headrick and Associates.

Born in Salt Lake City, Dan spent much of his younger years in Los Angeles where he developed his talent for drawing and painting.  Over the years, Dan has worked with a number of the region's most renowned architectural, engineering and landscape firms including WATG (Wimberly Allison Tong Goo), A. C. Martin, SOM, Gensler, A. V. Design, KCV (Klages Carter Vail), EDAW, Sasaki/Walker, Parsons Engineering, Bechtel Corporation, JPL, California University System/USC, and many more.

Dan's passion for painting and his keen eye for design are evident in the numerous renderings that he has created for buildings throughout California and around the world.  In addition to his architectural illustrations, Dan's commissioned art work encompasses a diverse range of subjects and settings.

Although the architectural illustration industry has moved to computer generated illustrations, Dan's unique style remained very much in vogue with his clients.  Dan was a master of combining the ethereal qualities of watercolor, the finesse of fine art and the accuracy of traditional line drawing into highly detailed illustrations and renderings.  Dan's watercolor sketches and paintings captured the essence and the experience of each particular setting, place or subject.

Dan lived in Durango, Colorado, from 1998 until his death in 2020, where the natural beauty of the surrounding area inspired his fine art work.  In addition to his professional and commissioned work, Dan often donated his time and talent to a wide variety of community, philanthropic and volunteer organizations.

Writing from: Dan Nicholl “Biography” accessed September, 18 2021, https://www.dannicholl.com/biography

Find out more about Dan Nicholl Here

Find out more about On the Spectrum Foundation Here

Read more about First Friday Here

To be a featured artist or share a foundation to support email createartandtea@gmail.com

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A Grand Celebration

I strolled off of the late summer streets into a place that is quickly becoming my home away from home. The early evening sun shone through the windows bringing a golden glow that perfectly illuminated the vibes of this beautiful space. I could feel the buzz of excitement around me as I entered the gallery. This night was special. Artist, art lovers, and chamber of commerce members almost seemed to dance around the gallery enjoying each other's company and celebrating this exciting time for Create. To my left, the sound of music rose through the air. Nestled among the paintings, a musician sat playing an acoustic set. I took note of his name for future listening. Victor Andrada.

As I passed through, weaving in and out of the displays and friendly faces. I did my usual sweep looking for new pieces. There's always something new and delightfully unexpected popping up around the gallery. Then I spent some time talking with new friends and acquaintances I've made since I've started hanging around this gallery. As I listened to my new friends talk, I noticed a common theme in what was said. The overall message is Create is not your average gallery. It's a community and a family of artists and art lovers. It's a place where not only can you buy a work of art but you can get an authentic unfiltered experience. Whether you're buying a piece of art, sampling a cup of hot tea while enjoying the views and conversation, or taking a class from professional artists you can just feel that this place is special. Afterward, I made my way to the desserts table, where, like all of the artwork made here, many of the treats were made by the artists. Yet another representation of how our artists pour themselves into this place. I tried a delicious little green pistachio treat that I am desperately seeking the recipe for but I digress. The main event started, a red ribbon symbolizing a new chapter for Create stretched between two chamber members as Caprice held the biggest scissor that I have ever seen. The staircase behind her was filled with most of the local artists that keep this place running. As I peered through the lens of my camera to capture this moment, I looked at everyone's smiling faces and felt that feeling of community and saw a group of creatives coming together to move their mountains. The scissor snapped. The red ribbon fell. And cheers erupted around the gallery. I left saying my goodbyes and congratulations and of course, grabbing a cup of tea. Before stepping back onto the pavement, I turned around once more to look at the celebration behind me and felt truly fortunate and grateful to be a part of the Create Art and Tea community.