For the ones who feel deeply
Joy is a practice. Imperfection is beautiful. Wonder is everywhere—if you’re willing to look for it.
This is a space for slowing down, feeling more, and reconnecting with what matters.
Explore original artwork, read reflections on the creative life, or join a cozy community of curious souls. Everything here is designed to invite you into presence.
Click the links below to explore my art, writing, and community.
Portfolio
This portfolio is a window into how I see the world—through light, texture, emotion, and wonder. Each piece is less about perfection and more about presence. These paintings are invitations: to pause, to feel, to remember something beautiful you almost forgot.
About the artist
Nicole Simmons is a self-taught artist based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, whose work explores the tension what it means to be present—the beauty of lived experiences and also the discomfort they sometimes bring. Her paintings move between soft and soothing to bold and expressive, often capturing fleeting emotional states.Since she began painting in 2014, Nicole’s work has evolved into a deeply personal practice of noticing and distilling emotion into color, light, and form. She has been exhibiting since 2021, with participation in shows at the Art Association of Harrisburg and HIVE Artspace, and a solo exhibition at Wheel of Light Studio in 2022. Her work was most recently featured in the 10th issue of Circle Magazine in January 2024.Nicole is currently represented by Wheel of Light Studio in Halifax, PA.When she’s not painting, Nicole can be found hiking, meditating, reading fantasy novels, traveling, and spending time with her husband Isaac and their two beloved cats, Sylvester and Tibbers.
Artist's Statement
"My art is a practice in presence—an invitation to pause and feel what’s often overlooked. Through layered texture and intuitive color, I explore fleeting moments, emotions, and the beauty of the now. Each piece is a reflection of something I chose to notice and honor, a way of expressing life as it is."
Connect
Whether you have a question, a collaboration idea, or just want to say hi, I’d love to hear from you. Below you’ll find all the ways to stay in touch—email for direct inquiries, Ko-fi to collect my artwork, and social links to follow along.If you’re looking for something more personal, you can join my Discord community for cozy conversation and behind-the-scenes glimpses, or subscribe to my Substack, where I share reflections on art, presence, and the creative process.
Collecting Artwork
and Supporting the Artist
There are a few ways to support my art and bring a piece of it into your life. Every bit of support—big or small—helps keep this creative life going, and I’m so grateful for all of it.
Collect originals, prints, or downloads through my Ko-fi shop. I also occasionally put up freebies like wallpaper backgrounds, small prints, and other mystery drops for my supporters.
Buy me a cup of coffee (or a tube of paint ;)) on Ko-fi if you aren't ready to collect anything, but still want to support
Subscribe to my Substack (it's free)
Join my Discord community (also free)
Share my work
What's New
2025 has been a year of bold moves and creative shifts. In January, I left Facebook and Instagram to build a more intentional, sustainable space for my art—and my community. Since then, I’ve been reshaping how I share, connect, and create, moving toward platforms that feel more human and aligned. My art has evolved too. I took a painting hiatus from April through October, only recently showing back up in my studio in November.The break was much needed and as I now feel very refreshed, I find that I am revisiting some prior subjects (birch trees!) and beginning to get excited for new ones.I also recently published a new blog post on my Substack about my Transformation series, which you can check out below.Take a look around, connect on the platforms that resonate with you, and as always—thank you for being here.
New Artwork
"Enchanted"
Oil on canvas, 2025
Created in November, this piece shares the same reference photo as "Cottagecore". Layered with oils, the focus was to breathe life into the florals and lighting of the scene, ultimately creating a cozy feel. "Enchanted" is meant to transport you to a place that is peaceful and warm--providing respite in the midst of darkness. This piece will be featured in a solo show in 2026.
"Skydancer"
Acrylic on canvas, 2025
Skydancer is one of my favorite abstracts that I did this year. I created this piece in April 2025. It is layered with spray paint and broad brushstrokes to emulate a lot of movement. It was painted outside and instead of with a controlled arm and wrist, it was painted with free movement of the whole arm. I picked its name because the colors reminded me of something more celestial and the way I moved the brush felt like a dance.
"Birch Trees--Name TBD"
Oil on canvas, 2025
This piece is the start of a new birch series that I've decided to make. It is also a bit of a breakthrough piece as it pushed my use of color (especially neutrals) and how to incorporate abstract vs realism.