About
Hello, I am Nicole Unrau, farmgirl and charcoal artist. Growing up on our family grain farm in Alberta and being homeschooled with my two older sisters lent itself to a lot of wholesome activities including gardening, canning, and taking care of the chickens. But we also took time for piano lessons and, of course, drawing. Throughout my school years I kept on pencil sketching, progressing from princesses in fancy dresses to animals and nature. Once I graduated from grade 12, I attended a week long art intensive, the Katrina School of Art, put on by a family in our church. It was while I was there and meeting artists from all over Canada and the U.S. that I learned to take art more seriously and make it more a part of my life. Shortly after, a friend bought me a set of charcoal pencils. I had never used charcoal before but, after some experimentation, I found it easy and fun to work with. I had found my niche. Applying the skills and techniques I acquired at the Katrina School of Art, I was finally able to create the detailed drawings of animals that express my love of the beauty that is in God's creation.
A couple of years later I started donating a charcoal drawing for our local libraries' annual fundraising auction. It has been so rewarding contributing to a cause I believe in, with the artwork bringing in hundreds each year.
After I attended the art intensive, I had to take a break from drawing as I continued with piano lessons and worked towards my Performance Certificate, alongside my sister. My family was an incredible support to both of us as they picked up the extra work load around our home and on the farm so we could devote all our time to study and preparation for the exams. After four years I completed my degree with honors and received a silver medal for the highest mark in Alberta in the Canadian Music History exam. Since finishing my Performance Certificate, I've been spending more time improving in charcoal drawing and building a collection of pieces, with the continued help, encouragement, and support of my family, as I keep working on the family farm.
Besides farm, yard work, and artwork, I continue to enjoy taking care of our chickens as well as our little "herd" of Dexter cows. I love making trips to the mountains as a family, baking as much cakes and dessert as we can eat (including the odd wedding cake), reading, and skiing with friends during the beautiful winter months.
