Born in County Armagh, Northern Ireland in 1964, her early passion for painting was inspired Monet and Michaelangelo and at a young age her driving ambition was to become a successful artist.

After studying art at Winchester School of Art she won an Arts Council Scholarship to study at the British School at Rome in 1995.  Two years later Senator George Mitchell unveiled her portrait of Bill Clinton in honour of his commitment to the Northern Ireland peace process.

In 1998 Nicola presented 'Wild Irish Colt' to the Queen at a reception for the arts at Windsor Castle.  Shortly afterwards she opened a gallery and studio in Holywood, Co Down where in 1999 she presented Dr Mo Mowlam with her portrait.  That year Nicola was the first artist to exhibit in the windows of Brown Thomas, Ireland's ambassadorial department store in Grafton Street, Dublin and was also resident artist at Mount Stewart, Co Down.

In 2000 Nicola was resident artist at Powerscourt Estate, Co Wicklow and in the same year her painting 'Arkle' was housed at Farmleigh, the Irish State Guest House in Pheonix Park, Dublin.

In June 2003 she moved to new premises in Belfast's Queen Street.  The studio was officially opened with an exhibition entitled 'Sea of Moyle' by Patrick Casement, Chairman of the National Trust and was attended by the Rt Hon The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tom Ekin.

Nicola supports the Integrated Education Fund,  budding young artists and the use of public buildings for the promotion of the creative arts.  Her passion and drive in the future are to pursue bigger and bolder projects at home in Ireland and abroad.