If you are a lover of the eclectic community of artists and entrepreneurs we have in Warwickshire, we are totally with you. Which is why we are over the moon to be featuring another story about the unique talents of one of Warwickshire’s locals.
Nicky Luntley is a lover of all things creative; with a passion for painting in watercolours and inks, she produces beautiful splashes of colour and detailed inkwork that can be created into prints, cards and most recently, tote bags. But we shall get into more of the details of her handmade crafts later on. First, we just want to gush about this business owner/artist for a bit.
In 2019, when on maternity leave with her first born child, Nicky decided to take the plunge and join the community of independent businesses in Warwickshire.
With some gentle nudges and tonnes of encouragement from her friends and family, Nicky turned her passions for beautiful colours and images into an opportunity to start her own small business; creating affordable and unique artwork. We are so lucky she did.
Nicky has lived in Warwickshire since she was just five, leaving to complete her first degree but being drawn back to the area for its supportive and budding community. Since 2019, Nicky has managed her day job working in the NHS, first-time motherhood, the successful start-up of her handmade business, and most recently, the birth of her second child!
She has been on maternity leave from Nicky L Art for just a few months though and when we spoke to her, she was gearing up to open again. No rest for this full-time creative.
Successfully managing all aspects of Nicky L Art, this business owner wears many hats to ensure everything runs smoothly. She creates one-off pieces of artwork which are then turned into cards by an organisation that supports The Woodland Trust or prints by a local Warwick company called Ginger The Art Of Prints.
She designs all the products herself, manages website and social media content, manages the finances and all other areas of the business. But she says without the support from her loved ones, none of it would be possible.
Her partner Joe and parents, Dee and Michael Luntley have provided hands-on support for Nicky throughout; helping her to build a garden studio, store stock and assist her in running market stalls. And that’s not forgetting her 3 year old daughter and ten week old baby boy, providing this super mum with plenty of love and motivation.
You may have seen Nicky and her family at Coventry’s Fargo Village or Hatton Country World’s market, as well as if you’ve travelled further afield to Leamington’s Covent Garden Quarter Market selling her collection of prints, cards and tote bags.
Nicky adores being able to get out to events and markets, meeting new people and creating relationships with her customers. Although not currently taking on commissions whilst on maternity leave, Nicky produces delightful pieces of Urban Faces and home portraits. If you are interested in having your favourite pub, market street, childhood home or any other buildings turned into a memorable gift for a loved one, be sure to keep Nicky in mind!
You can see some of her previous commissions on her website. As well as this, you will be able to purchase some of her hand-painted watercolour cards featuring beautiful floral designs and some adorable animals, as well as her prints collection.
Upon reopening her shop this month, Nicky has also decided that she will be donating 10% from each sale to a different charity each month. So, if you decide to purchase from this small business owner this month, you will be supporting her to donate to Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals Charity. You can keep updated with Nicky’s next monthly charity selection on her Instagram, where she will be featuring content all about her chosen charity throughout the month.
When talking about the future of Nicky L Art, this creative business owner is already making waves. Most recently, she has begun developing a textiles line to her shop, currently featuring canvas tote bags that are made from sustainably sourced cotton.
Each canvas shopper is lovingly printed with one of Nicky’s pieces of art, currently including the Blue Footed Booby and her Floral Bouquet designs. But watch this space; Nicky continues to develop her line of products and is reaching out to stock her unique range in local retailers too; already securing Lott Bazaar in Leamington and Brandon Marsh Wildlife Trust!
We are so pleased to see that Covid-19 gave Nicky further opportunity to develop her skills and craft. Getting creative in finding her community online during the pandemic has allowed her to expand her colourful reach and meet other small business owners all over. Getting involved in Warwickshire Open Studios last year was another exciting beginning for Nicky. Whilst it took place online last year, this summer you will be able to visit Nicky at her parents studio in Princethorpe. The Sheep Dip Studios will feature some of Nicky’s work alongside four other artists; one being her own mother Dee Luntley.
The Warwickshire Open Studios is on from 19th June until 4th July, exhibiting over 300 artists across 117 unique venues across Coventry and Warwickshire.
For more information about Nicky L Art, visit her website and follow her on social media!
Website: https://www.nickylart.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nickylartist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickylart/
Written by Heather Marie Willis.
