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Liz Nichols is a fine artist whose deep-rooted connection to the wide open high-country of Northeastern Arizona profoundly shapes her life and work. Born with an innate need to draw and paint, Liz’s artistic journey began on a large cattle ranch where the red mesas, expansive skies, and diverse wildlife provided endless inspiration. Growing up surrounded by the natural beauty of the region, from sunrises and sunsets to the vibrant cultures of Native American tribes, she developed a unique visual language that captures the essence of this distinctive landscape.
Raised as a cowgirl, Liz’s formative years were shaped by hands-on experiences on the ranch, including training colts, chasing wild cattle, delivering calves, and working with the land. These moments not only cultivated her creativity but also brought a grounded perspective and respect for the rugged lifestyle that continues to influence her art. Her love of animals, especially horses and butterflies, is a constant source of joy and inspiration, and she cherishes the companionship and peace her own animals provide in her daily life.
The rich cultural heritage of the Native American tribes near her home—the Navajo, Hopi, Apache, and Zuni—has left a lasting imprint on Liz’s artistic style and subject matter. The colors, patterns, and craftsmanship of Navajo weavings, Hopi pottery, Apache basketmaking, and Zuni silversmithing are woven into the fabric of her artwork, reflecting a deep appreciation and respect for these traditions.
Liz’s artistic practice spans a variety of media including pencil, colored pencil, watercolor, acrylics, oils, and mixed media, with a special affinity for using oil paint to bring a luminous quality to her works. While she has painted river rocks extensively using acrylics, her approach has evolved over the years to focus more on special commissions and mixed-media pieces. Her creative process is marked by resilience as she navigates common challenges such as procrastination, artist’s block, ADHD, and frequent relocations—having moved over 30 times in 40 years. Recently settling into her own home has helped her develop greater organization and a more consistent schedule.
Community involvement has played a significant role in Liz’s career. She was active in the Painted Desert Artist Association, where she contributed to monthly newsletters, workshops, art shows, and fairs. Her efforts helped reshape the old courthouse museum into a vibrant space for art exhibitions and lively Old West Days, fostering fellowship and artistic exchange among locals and visitors alike. One of the highlights of her career was creating the “Heart of the Old West” mural in Holbrook, Arizona—a project born from community collaboration and fueled by her determination despite limited resources and challenging circumstances. The mural’s completion was celebrated by the town, and it earned her the Governor’s Art Award, marking both a personal and public recognition of her work.
Liz’s residency at Petrified Forest National Park further deepened her connection to the environment, allowing her to paint in remarkable locations rarely accessible to others. This experience, coupled with her knowledge of the local wildlife and landscape, reinforced her passion for plein aire painting and inspired her aspiration to share this practice via live sessions on platforms like YouTube.
Throughout her career, Liz has treasured meaningful interactions with fellow artists and nature. One memorable moment occurred during a plein aire outing at Devils Canyon, where a vulture unexpectedly soared close by, creating a vivid encounter that she recalls fondly.
As social media and a personal website become more integral to her professional presence, Liz is poised to reach wider audiences and share her artistic voice more consistently. Looking ahead, she is excited about several upcoming projects including a series of 65 miniature watercolors of endangered species to celebrate her 65th birthday, as well as colorful mixed-media series featuring unicorns, elf girls, horses, and Western-inspired themes.
Liz Nichols wishes for viewers of her art to feel a sense of shared stories and peaceful smiles, a reflection of her lifelong connection to land, animals, culture, and community. Her work embodies both personal heritage and the universal beauty of the natural world, inviting others to experience the tranquility and richness she finds in her surroundings.