Erin Nicholls's work in a styled room
Artist

Erin Nicholls

A meticulous exploration of light and shadow across the quiet corners of Japan.

6 Works

About Erin

Erin receives 20% of every sale

Transparent compensation, always.

Erin Nicholls is an Australian artist whose practice bridges traditional European training with a deep affinity for Japanese aesthetics. After studying Art History at Griffith University and refining her skills in traditional oil painting in Florence, she pivoted to the precise mediums of marker and pencil. Her work focuses on capturing the quiet, atmospheric reality of urban environments, specifically the streets of Japan. Through her celebrated series A Year in Japan and A Night in Japan, Nicholls documents the intricate details of city life. Her illustrations have earned international recognition, including the 2018 Bluethumb Art Prize for Drawing and the 2024 Copic Art Prize for the Australia and Pacific region. These works have been exhibited across Australia and in Tokyo, reflecting a dedicated study of light and structure.

Visual voice

Nicholls blends the nostalgic charm of Studio Ghibli animation with the structural precision of Japanese woodblock prints. Using markers and pencils, she renders realistic urban streetscapes that emphasize atmospheric light and the lived-in textures of city life.
Japanese StreetscapesMarker IllustrationUrban RealismAtmospheric LightPencil DrawingStudio Ghibli Influence
Good to know

Erin Nicholls — questions answered

What mediums does Erin Nicholls use for her illustrations?

She specializes in marker and pencil illustrations, utilizing techniques that capture realistic textures and atmospheric light.

Where did the artist receive her formal training?

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Griffith University and trained in traditional oil painting techniques in Florence, Italy.

What are the primary influences on her artistic style?

Her work is influenced by the aesthetic of Studio Ghibli animation and the traditional compositions of Japanese woodblock prints.

Has Erin Nicholls won any awards for her work?

Yes, she won the Drawing category of the 2018 Bluethumb Art Prize and the Australia and Pacific Regional award in the 2024 Copic Art Prize.

What themes does she explore in her series?

Her work primarily explores Japanese urban life and streetscapes through focused series like A Year in Japan and A Night in Japan.

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