Nick Brown Inspires Through His Versatile Artistic Journey
Photo: Nick Brown’s artistic brilliance and unmatched versatility make him a true creative visionary, producing emotionally rich and visually stunning works.
The Evolution Of A Graffiti Artist Into A Photorealistic Master
Nick Brown’s journey from graffiti in Camden to photorealistic portraits merges technical mastery, emotional storytelling, and diverse mediums, celebrating his passion for capturing meaningful moments and iconic figures with vibrant precision.
Nick Brown is a true force of creative mastery, blending technique, emotion, and storytelling into a remarkable body of work that spans multiple mediums. From his early days immersed in the vibrant London graffiti scene to his evolution into a celebrated portrait artist, Nick’s journey is as inspiring as it is impressive. His ability to seamlessly navigate between street art, oil painting, digital mediums, and more embodies a rare versatility, while his works showcase an unwavering dedication to detail and an extraordinary mastery of color.
What stands out about Nick’s artistry is not only the precision of his photorealistic portraits but the depth of meaning woven into them. Whether he’s capturing iconic figures like Dave Chappelle or creating personal works inspired by family and friends, Nick’s art channels powerful nostalgia and raw emotion. For him, the canvas is more than just a space for mastery—it’s a reflection of deeply personal moments that resonate universally with viewers. His rich, layered journey, which spans collaboration with brands like Nike and the creation of murals across the UK, exemplifies his commitment to constant evolution as an artist.
In this interview, Nick offers an inside look at the influences and processes that define his work. From Camden’s graffiti-filled streets to the intimate intricacies of oil painting, his passion for art shines through every story. Prepare to be captivated by the creative mind of Nick Brown—an artist whose journey and work serve as a testament to the transformative power of dedication and creativity.
How did your early experiences in the London graffiti scene shape your artistic style and approach to other mediums?
Graffiti is really what gave me a passion for art. I loved drawing from a young age, being an only child it was my favorite way to pass time, but I knew very little about art and didn’t have much interest in it outside of doodling characters, until I discovered graffiti. I was born and raised in Camden, which has always been a melting pot of diversity and creativity, so I would see graffiti artists at work from a young age and be amazed by what they were doing. I began taking part in workshops being run out of local youth services and was fortunate enough to meet a graffiti artist who went by the name of Pheks. He took me under his wing, taught me everything he knew, connected me with other artists in the scene at the time and gave me the confidence to believe in myself as an artist. Still to this day, the types of marks I use in my paintings, the use of high contrast, the way in which I use colour, the drips, these are all habits and choices that are directly linked to my time spent as a graffiti artist.
Could you describe your process when creating highly detailed, photorealistic portraits, and what drew you to portraiture in 2016?
Prior to 2016, I’d been primarily working in spray paint, mostly working on murals, but occasionally doing commissioned portraits using spray paint. I began to get to the point where I would struggle to achieve the amount of detail in a painting that I desired, unless it was painted very large, which is a process I’ve never enjoyed. So I picked up some oil paints, attempted to transfer the skills and knowledge I had learnt from spray painting and I’ve never looked back since. The oil paint enables me to have far more control, whether it’s the type of marks I’m making or the speed I’m working at, I’m at a point in time where it now feels very natural, just as a spray can once did. My use of colour is something I pride myself on, so the ability to mix colours and forever attempting to master colour mixing is a part of the process I greatly enjoy.
How do you approach working across such a diverse range of mediums, from spray paint to digital art, and does each medium serve a unique purpose in your work?
I go through phases where I try new mediums or processes and then I obsess over them, learning everything I can soak in and trying to get as good at them as I can, until I eventually get bored of them. I always come back to painting. Painting will always be my first love. My journey started by spraying paint from a can and now involves me meticulously painting fine details with a brush, but it’s the act of painting that I’ll forever be in love with.
Many of your subjects are highly detailed figurative and natural forms. What themes or emotions do you aim to convey through these depictions?
I like to capture moments in time, moments that mean something to me. Whether I’m working on a painting of a music artist, or painting a friend or family member, I’m going to paint them from a moment in time that creates nostalgia for me, or has meaningful memories. To outsiders looking in, these moments may seem insignificant to them, but to me they trigger memories and emotions and as a catalogue of work they generate a similar feeling inside me that I got as a kid flicking through family photo albums.
Among the public figures you’ve painted, do any stand out as particularly memorable experiences or challenges?
The most memorable for me is Dave Chappelle. Dave has been one of my hero’s since I was a teenager, a genius and true master of his craft. I was not only fortunate enough to present him with the painting, but I was able to have the opportunity to hang out with him and his team for the day when he was on tour in London, sitting in on a recording of his podcast, watching him and Chris Rock perform at the O2 arena, it was one of the most memorable days of my life. Being an artist can often be frustrating and there will be times when things may not go your way, or you feel like a failure, but when moments like the one I just mentioned happen, it makes it all feel worth it and it makes you realize that anything truly is possible.
EDITOR’S NOTE
3 Stacks (2024)
“3 Stacks” by Nick Brown is a breathtaking masterpiece that beautifully captures bold individuality and modern aesthetics. Painted in 2024 with oil on canvas, the work showcases Nick’s unparalleled talent for blending intricate realism with expressive textures. The vibrant orange glasses and hat, paired with a striking turquoise necklace, create a visually dynamic palette against the textured teal background. The character’s confident gaze draws the viewer in, exuding charisma and depth. A true testament to Nick’s mastery in portraiture, “3 Stacks” is an evocative celebration of identity and artistic sophistication.
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