His Expressionist World - One does not pass by any of Nicolai's oil paintings with indifferent nonchalance. His use of form and color, especially the unfolding of allegorical impingements, some obvious but many with subtle change tones or story lines, will captivate and seduce the critical mind.
Not afraid of mixing colors, his unique works are inspired portrayals of various subjects, mostly females or scenes with improbable gender, which often show hints and traces of feeling and passions from previous years or even, as the artist believes, from other lifetimes.
His use of depth, shading and balance is not totally traditional and the transcendent inspirations captured in vibrancy and color melding work to create an originality not found in any other contemporary expressionistic artist.
Born in Pennsylvania of Russian parents, Nicolai dreamed of entering the field of medicine or architecture, but the lack of family finances propelled him into education. It was at Laguna Beach, where he taught English and wrote poetry, that he perchance met and befriended the famous outsider artist Jon Serl who urged Nicolai to start painting with serious intent. Finally in 1992, just before his friend's passing, Nicolai began to put his expressions on canvas.
Since his arrival to the world of art, a fast growing contingent of art lovers and patrons has burgeoned in appreciation of his continuing artistic endeavors.
Currently, Nicolai lives in El Cariso Village, located twenty miles from Capistrano, California where he paints his creations among and under ancient oaks and beside a flowing creek. Visitors are always welcome at his studio and gallery, but are requested to call in advance.
The emotional use of color, added to assorted figures depicted often as caricatures or mythic representations, awakens one's senses to consider unending possibilities, from the satirical to the humorous in his paintings.
Nicolai's oils captivate and intrigue, for he has developed a very personal technique evident in all of his work. This coupled with his vibrant use of color creates a singular style unique and provocative to the viewer. As an illustrator and artist for over forty years, I recognize his rare gift as an artist who is able to paint his fantasies and emotions on canvas.
"I get those questions
