M. Nicole van Dam art at Santa Barbara City Hall for Nearly a Decade

A great memory is having my art at Santa Barbara City Hall for almost a decade – from around 2006 until August 2016, encompassing several mayors and city council members over many years.  My artwork “Voting Booth” was the first thing a visitor to the Santa Barbara Mayor & City Council office would see when entering the office (see the artwork on the square wall). The artwork was accompanied by an explanation of what the art meant:

My artwork "Voting Booth" first thing visitors would see at Santa Barbara City Hall Mayor & Councilmen's Office

My artwork “Voting Booth” first thing visitors would see at the Santa Barbara City Hall Mayor & City Council Office

I took a quick video:

THANK YOU SANTA BARBARA FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE FOR MY ART!

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Nicole’s Television Interview aired 6x week of August 7, 2016

Gosh – I’ve been interviewed! Didn’t expect that in my lifetime (and if I were to be interviewed on TV after my lifetime, well that would be, um, odd!). The whole television adventure was very fun. First, the studio was totally professional – three cameras – a full set – lights – action- NERVES!  Hubby was there to cheer me on. Very unique experience. I was very nervous at first, but host George Alger is a pro, made me feel totally at ease!  When I got to the point of reciting a poem from Tempo, I was doing it from memory, and actually forgot the first word for what seemed eons, but luckily the first word (and the rest) came to me. However, forgetting that first word was as close as I’d like to get to an on-camera, very embarrassing moment. It was nice to have the opportunity to share what I know, but even better to share the memory with hubby. Back to the real world now though! Time to paint!
If you missed the interview on TV (it aired 6 times! Pretty cool!), here it is – ENJOY!
 

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“Indian Autumn” Scarf Now Sold at National Department Store

The “Indian Autumn” design represented a fun challenge for me, and I am thrilled that in addition to being a lovely boot, there is now a beautiful “Indian Autumn” scarf being sold at a national department store, Christopher and Banks. Here are some photos of the “Indian Autumn” scarf from their website:

"Indian Autumn" scarf

“Indian Autumn” scarf

The original “Indian Autumn” was inspired by my romantic notions of a warm Indian fall. Many MANY thanks to Christopher and Banks National Department Stores for continuing to support my artwork.Indian Autumn

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TV Interview Being Filmed July 6!

Exciting News – I just learned last night that I will be interviewed July 6 by the engaging George Alger for the award winning Ventura Cable Channel 6 TV – which is the number 1 weekly community cable tv and web series!  What an unexpected treat!  I guess it’s time to get my hair done 🙂  Many thanks to Christine for her kindness and generosity and belief in my artwork and writing, to create this lovely memory and opportunity for me.  This will definitely be an experience for the Memory Gallery!

Here is my “On the Set” artwork – when I painted it, I did not expect to find myself on a set!

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My “Tempo” Show Coming Soon at the iconic Ojai Art Center!

I am thrilled and honored to have been asked to present a show featuring my writing and art at the lovely Ojai Art Center in July (Saturday July 23 at 2pm).  I will be sharing a blend of my art paired with my writing and other creations, largely based on my book, “Tempo – the Rhythm & Rhyme of the Artist.”  I also plan on bringing some of the lovely licensed products to share.  It will be fun to meet with the audience and share inspiration and learn from one another about life.  It was very meaningful to me to be recognized as an artist and writer in the lovely town of Ojai, with its many talented creatives!

Here is one of the flyers for the show:

M Nicole van Dam flyer for Christine2

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“Bench at Giverny” Scarf at National Department Store

When I shared the various scarf samples with my friends and customers, it seemed like the “Bench at Giverny” scarf earned some lovely ‘ooohs’ and ‘aaahs’ (which mean so much to me – I love watching people react to my art, a treat!).  I am thrilled that the “Bench at Giverny” scarf is now being sold at a national department store, Christopher and Banks.  Here are some photos of the “Bench at Giverny scarf from their website:

"Bench at Giverny" scarf

“Bench at Giverny” scarf

The original “Bench at Giverny” was  inspired by Monet’s gardens and is my nod to this great founding father of the French Impressionist movement, painter extraordinaire Oscar-Claude Monet.  Many MANY thanks to Christopher and Banks National Department Stores for continuing to support my artwork.

"Bench at Giverny" scarf

“Bench at Giverny” scarf detail

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“Chef at the Farmer’s Market” Scarf Selling at National Department Stores

chef scarf 2 farmer market chef scarf farner narket

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fun news – my Chef at the Farmer’s Market scarf is the latest design to be offered by the Christopher & Banks department stores!    Many, many thanks to Christopher & Banks for supporting my art!

Chef at the Farmer’s Market features a chef at a Farmer’s Market, pulling a red wagon amidst sunflowers, pansies, apples, bananas, and other fresh fruits, flowers, and vegetables.  There are also farmer’s market produce stands in the background.  Chef at the Farmer’s Market has also been successfully licensed for rain and garden boots, for sale on Amazon and elsewhere.  It’s very rewarding to see one of my artworks transformed into such beautiful and useful products!

Nicole's artwork licensed as a boot

The original Chef at the Farmer’s Market and as a rain and garden boot

 

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Peony Parade

Peony Parade by M Nicole van Dam email

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peony Parade is inspired by what is perhaps my favorite flowers – peonies – with their plump, overstuffed with petals, blossoms.   Here in California peonies are difficult to grow but that doesn’t stop me from trying!  The colors were undoubtedly influenced by upcoming Mother’s Day.   “Peony Parade” also is an artwork using my newest technique, begun with Kisses and Autumn Butterfly, which enables me to layer colors more richly.  I wanted this artwork to be feminine and for each peony to have its own character.  Peony Parade was created in 2016.   Available in Limited Edition prints and more, available at Create.bz.

This site contains the valuable intellectual property of M. Nicole van Dam. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, M. Nicole van Dam® and Artimagination® are respectively federally registered trademarks owned by M. Nicole van Dam, and the contents of this site, including each artwork, each artwork element, title, storyline, book, character, poetry and text, are each respectively TM and (c) 1999-2016 M. Nicole van Dam. All Rights Reserved. Similarly, the artwork on this site, including also the look and feel and style of the artwork and individual elements within the artwork, constitutes the valuable trade dress of M. Nicole van Dam. No contents of this site or any artwork or writing on this site may be reproduced without the express written consent of M. Nicole van Dam. To request such consent or to license the artwork or other contents of this site, please contact M. Nicole van Dam.

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Delft

Windmill Delft email

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delft is inspired by my Dutch heritage and love of the traditional Dutch Delfy blue and white china.  “Delft” features cows enjoying a lazy ‘chat’ amidst a field of flowers, with a Dutch canal and row of windmills in the background.  The artwork is framed with Dutch tulips, for which Holland is also famous.    Delft was created in 2016.   Available in Limited Edition prints and more, available at Create.bz.

This site contains the valuable intellectual property of M. Nicole van Dam. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, M. Nicole van Dam® and Artimagination® are respectively federally registered trademarks owned by M. Nicole van Dam, and the contents of this site, including each artwork, each artwork element, title, storyline, book, character, poetry and text, are each respectively TM and (c) 1999-2016 M. Nicole van Dam. All Rights Reserved. Similarly, the artwork on this site, including also the look and feel and style of the artwork and individual elements within the artwork, constitutes the valuable trade dress of M. Nicole van Dam. No contents of this site or any artwork or writing on this site may be reproduced without the express written consent of M. Nicole van Dam. To request such consent or to license the artwork or other contents of this site, please contact M. Nicole van Dam.

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Roulettes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roulettes is my version of roses deconstructed into abstract shapes and fall colors.  This also marks my developing a new technique to create thick layers of colors.      “Roulettes” is an homage to modern art.  I enjoyed the challenge of taking a traditional subject – roses – and bringing them to an abstract vision.    I wanted this artwork to have lots of movement as well as rich colors.  Roulettes was created in 2016.   Successfully licensed for rainboots available on Amazon and also available in Limited Edition prints and more, available at Create.bz.

This site contains the valuable intellectual property of M. Nicole van Dam. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, M. Nicole van Dam® and Artimagination® are respectively federally registered trademarks owned by M. Nicole van Dam, and the contents of this site, including each artwork, each artwork element, title, storyline, book, character, poetry and text, are each respectively TM and (c) 1999-2016 M. Nicole van Dam. All Rights Reserved. Similarly, the artwork on this site, including also the look and feel and style of the artwork and individual elements within the artwork, constitutes the valuable trade dress of M. Nicole van Dam. No contents of this site or any artwork or writing on this site may be reproduced without the express written consent of M. Nicole van Dam. To request such consent or to license the artwork or other contents of this site, please contact M. Nicole van Dam.

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My Art Part of a National Facebook Christopher & Banks Contest!

Wonderful department store Christopher & Banks is running a fun national Facebook contest – the prizes are scarves with my art on them.  Enter to win here and have some fun and please cheer on the wonderful folks at Christopher & Banks.  How nice that Christopher & Banks is supporting my art!  Remember to enter by April 6 2016!

National Facebook ad campaign example

 

Scarf entry form

Enter to win a free scarf

Christopher and banks facebook big with nicole

 

Honey Bee Happy facebook campaign
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Remember:  Enter to win here and have some fun and please cheer on the wonderful folks at Christopher & Banks.  How nice that Christopher & Banks is supporting my art!  Remember to enter by April 6 2016!

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Indigo

Indigo M Nicole van Dam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indigo is inspired by blue jeans and paisley.  I wanted this artwork to be a play on the casual blue jean and the elegant paisley, pairing them both together in a fun way.   “Indigo” is also interesting because so many different shades of blue jeans and indigo exist.  Indigo was created in 2016.   Successfully licensed for cowboy boots and traditional rainboots, available on Amazon, and also available in Limited Edition prints and more, available at Create.bz.

This site contains the valuable intellectual property of M. Nicole van Dam. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, M. Nicole van Dam® and Artimagination® are respectively federally registered trademarks owned by M. Nicole van Dam, and the contents of this site, including each artwork, each artwork element, title, storyline, book, character, poetry and text, are each respectively TM and (c) 1999-2016 M. Nicole van Dam. All Rights Reserved. Similarly, the artwork on this site, including also the look and feel and style of the artwork and individual elements within the artwork, constitutes the valuable trade dress of M. Nicole van Dam. No contents of this site or any artwork or writing on this site may be reproduced without the express written consent of M. Nicole van Dam. To request such consent or to license the artwork or other contents of this site, please contact M. Nicole van Dam.

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Christopher & Banks Department Stores Now Selling M. Nicole van Dam Scarves!

I am thrilled THRILLED that the lovely Christopher & Banks department stores are now selling an assortment of scarves with my art on them!   Many, many thanks to Christopher & Banks for supporting my art!

Here are some of the M. Nicole van Dam scarves Christopher & Banks is selling (currently on their website but some of the names are different):

I Love You Mom design

I Love You Mom design

M Nicole van Dam Papillons de Paisley

Papillons de Paisley design

M Nicole van Dam Golden Gate

Golden Gate design

M Nicole van Dam Color Chorus 2

Color Chorus – color version 1

M Nicole van Dam Color Chorus

Color Chorus – teal color version

M Nicole van Dam Honey Bee Happy

Honey Bee Happy design

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of you might already be familiar with the “I Love You Mom” design, which I originally created for my Mother, and which features hydrangea, sunflowers, pansies, butterflies and so much more. “Papillons de Paisley” is a fun artwork that has butterflies that are made of colorful happy paisley patterns. “Golden Gate” was inspired by my time in San Francisco (which I loved!) and features the golden gate bridge and an Impressionist twist on the skyline. “Color Chorus” is available in two color versions – both very pretty in their own way and each inspired by pointillism (an art technique spear headed during the time of the great Impressionists).

Here is a photo of the Golden Gate scarf being modeled and headlining the Christopher & Banks Accessories page – very fun for me to see!

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Spanish Rose

Spanish Rose Spanish Rose celebrates the lively romance of the Spanish dance.  This work was inspired by Flamenco dancing first, but as I researched Spanish dance I learned that there is much more to Spanish dancing – including Bolero, Fandango, Paso doble, Sevillana, Muñeira, Jota Aragonesa, Sardana, and Zambra, so there is a bit of all of that inspiring this artwork.  I had so much fun creating this.   I wanted to create a scene that was full of movement and rich reds.  The triangles are meant to represent the taps of the dancing feet.  It was a challenge to create the two men in just the right size and position relative to the woman, and I love the heart shape the trio creates.   Spanish Rose was created in 2016.   Available in Limited Edition prints and more, available at Create.bz.

This site contains the valuable intellectual property of M. Nicole van Dam. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, M. Nicole van Dam® and Artimagination® are respectively federally registered trademarks owned by M. Nicole van Dam, and the contents of this site, including each artwork, each artwork element, title, storyline, book, character, poetry and text, are each respectively TM and (c) 1999-2016 M. Nicole van Dam. All Rights Reserved. Similarly, the artwork on this site, including also the look and feel and style of the artwork and individual elements within the artwork, constitutes the valuable trade dress of M. Nicole van Dam. No contents of this site or any artwork or writing on this site may be reproduced without the express written consent of M. Nicole van Dam. To request such consent or to license the artwork or other contents of this site, please contact M. Nicole van Dam.

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Adorable Flower Fairies Boot Just Introduced!

Flower Faeries Boot
I am so excited that one of my first artworks “Flower Faeries” is now being offered as an adorable droplet rainboot! How fun and meaningful for me. Here is the original “Flower Faeries” artwork (the boot name is spelled “Flower Fairies”):
Flower Faeries

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Rodeo Rose

Rodeo Rose for emailing flat

Rodeo Rose is a feminine twist on the Western Rodeo, and features a female rider on her bucking bronco, surrounded by softly hued, almost suede like colors, roses, and lucky horse shoes.  Some of the horse shoes are interlinked to make hearts.  To me this artwork is also a bit about the lively ride we call life.  I wanted to create a scene rich in movement and a bit of rodeo chaos, yet also with the rider in control.  Getting horse and rider to look natural together was a fun challenge, and I love the heart shapes the doubled horse shoes create.   Rodeo Rose was created in 2016.   Available in Limited Edition prints and more, available at Create.bz.

This site contains the valuable intellectual property of M. Nicole van Dam. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, M. Nicole van Dam® and Artimagination® are respectively federally registered trademarks owned by M. Nicole van Dam, and the contents of this site, including each artwork, each artwork element, title, storyline, book, character, poetry and text, are each respectively TM and (c) 1999-2016 M. Nicole van Dam. All Rights Reserved. Similarly, the artwork on this site, including also the look and feel and style of the artwork and individual elements within the artwork, constitutes the valuable trade dress of M. Nicole van Dam. No contents of this site or any artwork or writing on this site may be reproduced without the express written consent of M. Nicole van Dam. To request such consent or to license the artwork or other contents of this site, please contact M. Nicole van Dam.

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Kisses

Kisses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kisses is a romantic artwork where I created kisses in an almost leopard print type pattern, in rich reds and blacks, using a new art technique I’ve been developing.   I had so much fun creating this.   I wanted to create a canvas that could be viewed from any direction, as if covered with kisses, that was also full of movement and rich reds.  It was a challenge to create kisses of different shapes and sizes that looked passionate in a fun way.   Kisses was created in 2016.   Available in Limited Edition prints and more, available at Create.bz.

This site contains the valuable intellectual property of M. Nicole van Dam. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, M. Nicole van Dam® and Artimagination® are respectively federally registered trademarks owned by M. Nicole van Dam, and the contents of this site, including each artwork, each artwork element, title, storyline, book, character, poetry and text, are each respectively TM and (c) 1999-2016 M. Nicole van Dam. All Rights Reserved. Similarly, the artwork on this site, including also the look and feel and style of the artwork and individual elements within the artwork, constitutes the valuable trade dress of M. Nicole van Dam. No contents of this site or any artwork or writing on this site may be reproduced without the express written consent of M. Nicole van Dam. To request such consent or to license the artwork or other contents of this site, please contact M. Nicole van Dam.

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Balboa Bay

Balboa Bay by M. Nicole van Dam

Balboa Bay  is my memory of where I grew up, in Newport Beach, with all the sun fun and sailing that goes with it. I wanted you to feel like you were flying into my memories of Balboa like a seagull, so that is why the artwork has the perspective that it does.   The view is as if you were heading along the lovely Balboa Ferry route from Balboa Island to the Balboa Peninsula.   I made sure to add in many birds (seagull, pelicans, and lavender-colored birdlike swoops) and the seals (and even a dolphin on the sail of a sailboat) to honor the nature that exists in Newport along the very developed coast.   This is a bright, cheery artwork, an homage to my happy memories. Many thanks to my wonderful parents for giving me such a lovely environment to grow up in! This is the first artwork I created in 2016.  Available in Limited Edition prints and more, available at Create.bz.

This site contains the valuable intellectual property of M. Nicole van Dam. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, M. Nicole van Dam® and Artimagination® are respectively federally registered trademarks owned by M. Nicole van Dam, and the contents of this site, including each artwork, each artwork element, title, storyline, book, character, poetry and text, are each respectively TM and (c) 1999-2016 M. Nicole van Dam. All Rights Reserved. Similarly, the artwork on this site, including also the look and feel and style of the artwork and individual elements within the artwork, constitutes the valuable trade dress of M. Nicole van Dam. No contents of this site or any artwork or writing on this site may be reproduced without the express written consent of M. Nicole van Dam. To request such consent or to license the artwork or other contents of this site, please contact M. Nicole van Dam.

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Lovely “Papillons de Paisley” Rain & Garden Boot Just Released!

Papillons de Paisley

FUN NEWS! “Papillons de Paisley” has just been introduced as a rain and garden boot. It’s so pretty, I can’t wait to wear these boots! I can imagine them cheering up any grey day paired up with trench coats or grey or charcoal tones, really fun. Bring on the RAIN! “Papillons de Paisley” features butterflies and florals all made of cheery paisley patterns. The more you look, the more you will see! ENJOY!

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Autumn Butterfly

Butterflies of Autumn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Autumn Butterfly is a richly colored artwork featuring butterflies in velvety fall tones, using a new art technique I’ve been developing.   The more you look, the more rich colors you will find in this artwork, blended in a new way.  Inspired by butterfly cocoons we found in our garden, butterflies with all their colors and fluttering dance seemed an excellent way to perfect a new technique playing with color.   Autumn Butterfly was created in 2016.   Available in Limited Edition prints and more, available at Create.bz.

This site contains the valuable intellectual property of M. Nicole van Dam. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, M. Nicole van Dam® and Artimagination® are respectively federally registered trademarks owned by M. Nicole van Dam, and the contents of this site, including each artwork, each artwork element, title, storyline, book, character, poetry and text, are each respectively TM and (c) 1999-2016 M. Nicole van Dam. All Rights Reserved. Similarly, the artwork on this site, including also the look and feel and style of the artwork and individual elements within the artwork, constitutes the valuable trade dress of M. Nicole van Dam. No contents of this site or any artwork or writing on this site may be reproduced without the express written consent of M. Nicole van Dam. To request such consent or to license the artwork or other contents of this site, please contact M. Nicole van Dam.

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