Meet the Tutor: Spontaneity and light with Nicky Hunter

Nicky in her studio

If you’ve ever been to one of Nicky Hunter’s classes, you’ll know that her watercolours are all about the magic of the moment.  Whether it’s a fresh floral wash or a perfectly placed brushstroke, Nicky’s art feels alive.

Today, we’re stepping inside her Buckinghamshire studio – a creative space that is part-workspace, part-gallery - to visit a world entirely focused on the beauty of nature.

The Studio-Gallery Hybrid

While some artists thrive in chaos, Nicky prefers a more curated environment. "My studio looks like a hybrid of a studio and a gallery," she explains. Far from being a messy workshop, it’s a space of order and reflection. "I’m tidy; I tend to tidy around my workspace after each painting."

Nicky's watercolour painting of an Iris

Nicky working at her desk easel

Nicky’s tidy nature brings a sense of calm to the creative process, but her real grounding force comes from the view outside. "Looking out my studio window at the trees and wildlife makes me feel grounded," Nicky shares. It’s no wonder the scent of fresh roses cut from the bush outside is the official fragrance of this creative sanctuary.

Tools of the Trade

When it comes to materials, Nicky knows exactly what works for her signature fluid style. If she were stranded on a desert island (with plenty of paper, of course), her choice would be simple: "Watercolour in tubes, a Squirrel Mop brush, and an Escoda Perla No. 12 synthetic round brush."

A page from John Singer Sargent's sketchbook

It’s a toolkit designed for the same qualities she admires in the masters. When asked whose sketchbook she would most like to peek through, the answer is immediate: John Singer Sargent. "His watercolours are so fresh, spontaneous, and have such delightful light and movement." You can learn more about Sargent's watercolours here.

Beating the Blank Page

We all know that moment of hesitation before the first stroke, but Nicky has a practical secret for keeping the inner critic at bay. "I always have a box file of images to paint, right at hand on my desk", she says.  By having a collection of inspiration ready to go, the transition from thinking to doing becomes seamless.

And if she needs a little boost? “A cup of Earl Grey and a chunk or two of dark chocolate” usually do the trick.

A Few of Nicky’s Favourite Things

We asked Nicky to give us a quick-fire glimpse into her world:

Favourite Colour: Permanent Rose (the perfect floral hue!)

Favourite Museum: Sorolla’s House and Museum in Madrid

Favourite Season: Spring, watching the flowers come to life

Favourite Art Supplier: Jackson’s Art Supplies

Favourite Book: Chocolat by Joanne Harris

Favourite Smell: Fresh roses cut from the bush outside

Favourite Time to Create: The afternoon

Favourite View: The view from my studio window

The Silent Assistant

Nicky's watercolour painting of a lion

While some of our tutors have snoring dogs or ink-spilling cats, Nicky’s companion is a little more low-maintenance.  “Do you have an unofficial studio assistant?” I ask, “A stuffed toy of a donkey," she reveals.  Quiet and steadfast – perfect for those long afternoons spent at the easel.

Beyond the Easel

When Nicky isn’t teaching at Ardington or capturing the light in her latest watercolour, you’re likely to find her on the dance floor; a fitting hobby for an artist whose work is so full of movement and rhythm. She also harbours a secret wish to try her hand at silver jewellery making, proving that the urge to create never truly sleeps.

Any Final Words of Wisdom?

"Keep your inspiration close and your brushes ready."

We'd like to thank Nicky for sharing a little peek inside her studio gallery with us. If you've been inspired to take a watercolour class, Nicky will be teaching Flamboyant Florals in Watercolour in June 2026.