"I think you have a gift of feeling people. The sketches I saw inspire me"
Client, Shieko Nagawo
Nichole grew up with parents who supported her love of creating, whether it was painting a mural on the walls of her bedroom or building in her father's wood-shop. She spent countless hours looking through children's books in her mother's book store where she disappeared into the many adventures within.
After graduating from University of Illinois, working as an Architect, and then as an Art Director in a Seattle Gallery, she returned to her long love of books and her natural inclination toward illustrative style.
Today, Nichole lives in the Pacific Northwest among the ferns and frogs with her family and many, many, pets who all happen to be great modes of inspiration for her work. She is a full time Illustrator whose focus is to bring the appreciation of nature and the web of life into our everyday moments through her illustrations and manuscripts.
Nichole is an Active member of SCBWI, NAEA, and is the Vice President of the Woodinville Arts Alliance. She is an award winning Artist, and has a passion to bring more creative opportunities to her community.
Nichole is a participant of 12x12, Children's Book Academy Golden Ticket winner, and has taken several courses through Highlights & other organizations on writing and illustrating. She has extensive experience presenting in schools, bookstores, conferences, and other venues.
"Creating art keeps your mind and hands busy, so your heart can flow"
~Nichole Monahan
Services
~ Illustration
~ Teaching Art in Monahan Studio and venues around the world.
~Speaking engagements & school visits
~Public Art commissions
 monahanstudio fall |  cricket in studio |
|---|---|
 peace pole andme |  Studio View |
 Studio Selfie |  Goldie |
 Goat Sisters |
"Bringing art to the community is so rewarding. You get to meet so many new people, hear what they want in their community and maybe show the community in a new light or highlight the special elements of the community"
"I was lucky enough to be able to work with a great group of girls at Project Soar, an organization that helps young girls In Morocco finish school, be independent and empowered."
"I love to present to groups such as the NAEA, schools, Galleries or community events".
"Hosting these Yoga and Art Adventures is amazingly fun, yummy, and so enriching. Seeing how people around the world live and their values is so important to grow as a person. I can not wait until our next adventure!"
"I love to work live during events. It is a great way to connect with the public and acts a great icebreaker. I've met the most interesting people this way!"
"In my studio, I love to bring animal models in and also have my students work outside as well. It is so important that we connect with nature more then ever now. I try to use this connection in my Illustrations as much as possible".
"My other passion is anything plant or animal. I often teach my Botanical sketching class in various Nurseries around the United States. I love being able to have access to all kinds of plants right at our finger tips. It is so valuable to draw from live objects, not just pictures!"
"It is amazing to be able to help people with various degrees of dementia and physical handicaps enjoy art. Art has a way of making people feel good about what they can do, and their limitations melt away in the moment."
"You made this whole project thus far pleasurable and you were a bright spot in our quest to get this book out"
Clients, Pamela Curtis Franklin and Ronald A. Walker
"I am currently working with Nicole and she is very professional and talented. I am writing a children's book with lots of pictures. Nicole is great at creating my vision along with adapting to changes if needed. You cannot go wrong working with her"
Client, Carolyn Bushmaker