I Teach Classical Painting Without Overcomplicating It
I’m Nic—a classical oil painter focused on the old masters, kitsch philosophy, and timeless work.
I teach painters how to build structure, master form, and create portraits that feel alive—without getting lost in abstract theory or trendy noise.
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My approach is simple, disciplined, and grounded in what actually helps you improve.
Why I Teach
Most painting instruction today is either too vague or too academic.
You leave with more theory than skill—and very little clarity on what actually matters.
I started teaching because I believe anyone can learn to paint well with a focused, structured approach rooted in form, value, and daily habits.
My Story
Beginnings
I first picked up drawing in 2014 under the guidance of Jeremy Caniglia. At the time, I thought little of it—I was drawn more to his spirit than the technique. But by 2015, I started painting, and everything changed.
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After finishing a six-month-long painting, I finally understood Caniglia’s obsession—why he never wanted to leave the studio, and why he’d greet me with:
“I love the smell of turpentine in the morning.”
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I didn’t fall in love with painting because I was good at it—I fell in love because it was hard.
I struggled deeply with my first portrait, and that’s what pulled me in. The slow, painful progress. The small wins. The mystery of it. The discipline it demanded.
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While I spent months trying to mix a shadow color, I watched Caniglia finish a portrait in 30 minutes. But instead of feeling discouraged, I felt driven. I wanted to understand what he understood.
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For three years, I studied with him in his studio—and it changed the course of my life.
By 2017, I had committed to painting as a lifelong pursuit. And I’ve been building that life ever since.
The Nerdrum School
My Time at Odd Nerdrum's Studio
In 2018, I entered Odd Nerdrum’s studio for the first time.
It felt like stepping through a door into Narnia—a completely new world of mystery, beauty, and seriousness opened before me.
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I had admired his work for years, though I didn’t yet understand the foundation of his philosophy, known as kitsch.
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At first, I was overwhelmed. But Nerdrum’s compassion and generosity quickly put me at ease. His sincerity wasn’t just in his paintings—it radiated from who he was.
There was no ego. No façade. Just deep conviction.
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Painting alongside Nerdrum—and among so many other committed students—transformed me.
In just a few months, I progressed more than I had in years.
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The immersive experience, the obsession with painting, the philosophical atmosphere—it consumed me in the best way.
I painted constantly. Every waking hour. And I felt more alive than ever.
Between 2018 and 2021, my time in Odd Nerdrum’s studios introduced me to ideas and principles that changed not just my painting—but my life.
The techniques, the mindset, and the discipline I absorbed there still shape everything I do today.
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Timeless painting still matters—and always will.
What I Believe:
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You don’t need a degree. You need a method and discipline.
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Painting is a craft—not a mystery