Heat, Retreat, and Return
I learnt a new word this year: aestivation
Roughly pronounced "ee-sti-vay-shun", it is effectively the counterpart to hibernation! It means, that some animals during particularly hot, dry weather conditions, enter a period of dormancy, allowing them to conserve their energy and retreat until the conditions become more favourable.
And now you know this too!!!
I think we all partook in several bouts of aestivation during this year's insanely hot summer. Like a wilting wildflower, I sat drooped at my easel, mixing colours with sweat, adjusting the fan more often than the composition ...even the paint seemed to aestivate dry on my palette! So, like any sensible creature I decided to hide in the shade and redirect what little energy I had towards some rest, reflection and recalibration.
And now we have entered more favourable weather conditions, I have thus returned: with new paintings, new website and renewed vigour, all ready for this years Swindon Open Studios. Huzzah!
SOS - Swindon Open Studios 2026
Yup, here we go again! Come and say hello!! I'll be back at the stunning Barn at Moorleaze farm for Swindon Open Studios 2026, showing several brand new artworks that haven't yet been released to the wider public. They'll also be some familiar favourites, prints, greeting cards and some studio-sale items to have a nosey through.
When: Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September 2026, 11am - 7pm
Where: Great Moorleaze Farm, The Marsh, Wanborough, SN4 0SW
What: Free parking, fully accessible, refreshments, raffle, billy goats and geese... oh and lot's of art by some fabulous artists!
Swindon Open Studios is an annual community exhibition during which artists invite members of the public into their studios, homes and exhibition spaces for a chance to see where and how their art is made across two consecutive weekends.
Over 100 artists opening their studios giving visitors the wonderful opportunity to meet and chat to artists and to buy original, affordable art directly. For the full artists listings, and map of all the locations:
New Paintings 2026
I have been squirrelled away, recalibrating my art this year, going backwards to go forwards. That has meant revisiting the fundamentals in art, studying values and temperature and having some playtime with colours and light. Although I have banked a lot of experimental pieces (of which I will share at a later date) I am particularly delighted to share with with you my new lot of darling little bird paintings and collection of new greeting cards.
And you get priority viewing - yes you! The new paintings will be released on my website at 7pm Thursday 17th of September before making their in-person debut at Swindon Open Studios this weekend. That means you lovely lot are the first to know and will have the first opportunity to purchase them before doors open. Here's the link, tab it, share it,
Kingfisher Study Series
Quietly released in May 2026, I am proud to share my Kingfisher Study Series, now featured in the new 'Collections' section of my website.
This small series began simply as a set of studies towards a larger collection of works I am aiming to create later this year. They were never intended to be shown or offered for sale, however, they proved so popular that I decided to make them available online. Several have already found new homes, while the remaining Kingfishers are available to view and purchase online, either through my website or ETSY shop. Go take a looksee:
Sparkly fancy NEW WEBSITE!!!
Okay, so this one is a particularly big deal for me. During my period of aestivation, I redirected much of my remaining energy into rebuilding my website, and it has become a piece of art in its own right.
For the first time, everything I create now has a proper home: original paintings, prints, greeting cards, collections, tattoo work and the stories behind it all. It is much easier to explore, much nicer to look at and feels much more like me. I’m particularly proud of how it has come together.
She still needs a little refining and a few final touches, but all in all, she's pretty much got her shit together. The website I'm talking about, not me! Geez!
Please go and have a wander around. There is plenty to discover, including a new 'Collections' section where you can explore complete bodies of work, both past and present. I'll also be sharing more of my processes, studies and field trips, all the work behind the scenes that eventually goes into creating and finishing beautiful works of art. I'm so very excited to continue growing this little digital extension of me and sharing a little peek into my world with you:
And lastly, from the Tattooing side of life:
I am taking new appointments for clients old/new from November. Since I only work two days a week, spaces go quickly, so if you’d like to get something booked, it’s worth reaching out early. I've knocked out some incredible work this year of which will be showing on my website in a few weeks.
Please get in touch hello@nicolakingart.co.uk or visit for more information: https://www.nicolakingart.co.uk/customtattoo
I’m excited to be sharing my new work and new website with y'all xx I would love to hear your feedback too - tell me what you love, what I can improve and what you want more of. It'll be lush to hear from you, ...or even better: see some of you in person this weekend at Open Studios xx
MUCH LOVE xx Nic xx
....oh and not forgetting a little Maud and Buddy guest appearance. These two making sure I keep up with my piano practice whilst waiting for the paint to dry ❤️ (...and evidence here of Maud destroying my plants, as always!)
“Practically perfect in every way “ So proud of your growth this year mate in every aspect of life . Sad I won’t see you at the weekend but I will be snapping up an art work or two . Much love Frangip’annie xx
Always a pleasure to hear from you. I am going to see if I can pop along to see your art and you better have me in your books for November please!! Lots of love xxx