About the Artist
Nicoline Mann is a Canadian artist based on Vancouver Island, known for her unique style that blends realism with expressionist elements, primarily focusing on animals.
Born in Saskatchewan and raised in Crossfield, Alberta, Nicoline's rural upbringing amidst the untamed prairies and wild landscapes deeply influenced her artistic journey.
She spent her childhood roaming freely, climbing trees, and immersing herself in nature's beauty.
Encouraged by her mother’s artistic talent and their shared creative activities, Nicoline developed an early appreciation for art, often drawing animals and eventually teaching children’s art classes.
Nicoline's lifelong love for animals and nature is deeply intertwined with her journey as an artist. Summers spent on a friend’s working farm in Water Valley, Alberta, sparked her passion for horses.
Over the next two decades, she gained diverse experiences working with animals, including roles at veterinary clinics, as the manager of a pet store, working hands-on with thoroughbred racehorses at the Calgary Stampede Racetrack, as a dog walker in Calgary, and co-owning working German Shepherds with a canine officer and breeding coordinator of the Calgary Police.
These hands-on encounters broadened her understanding of animal behavior and anatomy, laying a solid foundation for her artistic exploration of wildlife.
Her path also included formal education in dog training, further enriching her knowledge of animals.
In 2017, during a health crisis that confined her to bed, Nicoline rediscovered art as a source of solace and inspiration. Sharing her early paintings online during this time received an overwhelmingly positive response, sparking her art career and leading to commissions from around the world. Despite ongoing health challenges, she pursued formal training at the Milan Art Institute, focusing on classical drawing, oil painting, and mixed media.
Nicoline’s art reflects her resilience and pursuit of excellence, with exhibitions on Vancouver Island, solo shows, and features on prominent digital platforms. Her work has earned recognition from art supplies brands and conservation scientists, highlighting her impact in both the art and conservation communities.