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

Hi Nicoleta, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am originally from Richmond, Virginia and moved to Denver over five years ago. I am a daughter of two Greek immigrants and my parents have always encouraged me to express my creativity, explore and live life to the fullest. My dad once told me that parents give you roots to grow and wings to fly. And so, with this encouragement, I’ve had amazing opportunities to travel and create. The move to Denver exemplified all of my creative endeavors. I am endlessly inspired by the vibrant landscape but also found support to grow as a professional artist through the supportive art scene here. Without this ever-present encouragement to explore, I would not be who I am today. I owe a lot of this to my parents.

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Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I would identify myself as a mixed media artist. What I create ranges from paintings to collage, clay and crafting to designing wearable art.

I am mostly inspired by my cultural heritage as a Greek American, the whimsy of everyday subjects, and my endless love of the American West. My work blends hues from my travels, daydreams and upbringing that I hope invoke joy and curiosity in my viewers.

I am a self-taught artist who’s been painting and creating for as long as I can remember but, I committed to art on a professional level in 2020. Like many during the Covid shut down, I found myself with a lot more time at home. Making art has always been therapeutic for me, so creating during a difficult time became a coping mechanism that turned into a small business–which started with pet portraits. As I began to share my work on Instagram, I received enthusiasm, requests for commissions and invitations to show my work locally. I was floored, honored and excited and this is ultimately how it all began. By 2021, I was managing so many projects that I went “government official’ with my business “Nicoleta Paints LLC.” I have been lucky to have had a lot of incredible opportunities come to me; but like any artist, I’ve faced a lot of rejection and ghosting, too. I have learned to always keep my door open to opportunities, try new things, and have healthy boundaries. For me, it’s the most important that my art also brings me joy, and so if I receive a request to create something that doesn’t spark that feeling, I say no. I’ve learned that being more picky also helps me stay true to myself as an artist. I won’t lie–early on I said yes to everything! But I think that is a great way to learn what works for you as a creator along the way.

Some of my favorite projects thus far have been; Painting a Denver Community fridge, live painting at the Nayad booth at the Denver Outdoor Retailer Expo, painting a mural in the new women’s dorm at Samaritan House shelter, collaborating with Odell Brewing on a limited edition can, and most recently working with Wolf Den Custom Tattoo and witnessing people have my art tattooed on them. It’s amazing that every time I feel like I’ve done the coolest thing, another opportunity comes around. I seriously can’t wait to see what comes next and am endlessly grateful for all the support I receive!

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Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Museums:
The MCA
History Colorado
Denver Art Museum

RiNo area
Denver Central Market–get a roulette at Izzio Bakery and have your life changed forever.
Dio Mio for all things pasta
Miller and Rossi for cocktails and vibes
Safta for Sunday brunch

South Broadway is by far one of my favorite streets for local shopping!
FM, Crossroads, Lovely Vintage, Sewn, Fern and Skye, Mutiny Cafe, Goldmine Vintage, Terra Apothecary, Fifty-Two 80s
Then, depending on what side of S. Broadway you end up on, Postinos for bites and the best happy hour, Adrift for cozy tiki vibes, or Joy Hill for roof top views and life-changing pizza.

Get tattooed:
Wolf Den Tattoo
The Nest

Go for a hike:
The Trading post trail around Red Rocks is my favorite way to show visitors the unique landscape around Denver. It’s not challenging physically and you get to enjoy views of downtown, the Front Range and of course, Red Rocks.

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Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to shout out to all the small businesses I work with! Not only to thank them for giving me a chance to share my work with a larger audience, but also to acknowledge the hustle and hard work that goes into running such a businesses. Most of these businesses are women-run and all are community, environmentally and locally-focused. They have not only given my creations exposure, but hosted me for workshops and events, allowing me to connect further with my community. Thank you Preston & James, Fern & Skye, Terra Apothecary, Wolf Den Custom Tattoo, Fruits of Our Labor, Hooked on Colfax and Ready Paint Fire Breckenridge!

Website: https://www.nicoletapaints.com

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

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