Nicolette Wales
Pasadena, California
Favorite Cartoon Character: Lisa Simpson

Best Museum: The Museum of Jurassic Technology, Venice California

Day Job: Graphic Designer

Dream Dinner Date: Go back in time, Don Draper

Current Favorite Band: Bon Iver

Favorite Color: White

Breakfast of Choice: Chilled mango with macadamia nuts
When I am drawing, I am engaged by the inner nature of the person before me. I have a visceral response to certain people as subjects, although it is hard to say why. For reasons unknown, I feel a connection with them and find my hand moving effortlessly. For reasons that are just as elusive, others are difficult to capture. There may be an aspect of their personality or movement or body that is rigid or awkward.

In every case, the other person presents a kind of mystery I am trying to solve – my hands gradually discovering what I sense is there. I struggle internally between my desire to honor and accurately present the proportions and anatomical structure and shading of the subject and my desire to focus on emotional details or the interplay between form and light or between form and environment.

I work in my Pasadena studio located on an old orchard lot near the arroyo watershed and in very small intimate drawing sessions throughout Los Angeles. My other influences include photography, environmental design, film, food and the animal world – particularly horses, since I have been a longtime student of classical riding (Dressage).