Meet Jesse Nickell | Classical Painter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jesse Nickell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jesse, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
The end goal is to paint a masterpiece that rivals the best works of the old master painters. I don’t see an end to the career until I am no longer around. I want to change the heart of the art world to embrace classicism and teach a new generation of students how to paint in the classical tradition.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The work I make deals with the human condition and experience. Based around the premise of a broken world, my paintings capture aspects of raw human nature. They visualize a world on the verge of falling
apart, leaving the subjects in them with little power of their own. There is a strong focus on events leading
up to and in the wake of tragic circumstances, often leaving the subjects stripped of their ambition and
ego. This is meant to showcase the necessity of perseverance in the midst of tragedy.

I dropped out of an engineering path to study classical painting, and had a difficult time finding instructors and institutions that would teach what I wanted to learn. Through an illustration program, residencies, connections with classical painters, and a period of studying in Norway with Odd Nerdrum, I came out the other side with a clear vision and aesthetic philosophy.

The most challenging part is navigating a world that is extremely modernist in culture, which includes all of the arts. I am constantly battling mainstream ideas and talking points amongst fellow creatives. Most people in the arts are either very intentional about a modernist aesthetic, or have simply been taught modernist ideas and follow them without thinking critically. There is an international group of painters that share a classical approach on worldwidekitsch.com, who are my comrades in the classical pursuit.

The biggest lesson I have learned is to deeply understand your guiding philosophy in regard to your craft or pursuit. If you are not grounded, you will flounder and be swayed by the wind.

The world should know that we do not have to accept the modernist narrative. We have the ability to collectively set high standards, build beautiful buildings, paint and sculpt masterpieces, live in beautiful homes, write beautiful poems, plays and novels, and do so in a manner that exceeds the levels of quality seen in the Renaissance and high Greek Classical Period.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would show them the Anschutz Collection and the Denver Art Museum. Local coffee houses like Pablo’s on 6th, Sweet Bloom, Pangea Coffee Roasters, etc.
Speak easy bars Williams and Graham and the Golden Moon.
A lot of hiking, and if they are here long enough, backpacking on the Colorado trail.
A trip to Silverton and Ouray, some of, if not the most, beautiful scenery in the state.
Visit Daniel Sprick’s studio (if he is in the mood for guests).
See a movie at the Mayan Theater on South Broadway.
Go to a performance by the Colorado Symphony.
First Friday art walk on Santa Fe.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would dedicate a shoutout to Odd Nerdrum and the Nerdrum School

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessewnickell/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessewnickell

Image Credits
Jesse Nickell