My story

Nicole Olalla: A Journey Through Art and Passion

Born in the picturesque city of Santiago, Chile, Nicole Olalla was immersed in creativity from an early age. Her father, an architect, and her mother, an oil painter, fostered an environment where artistic expression was a way of life. Some of her fondest childhood memories stem from accompanying her mother and younger sister to art classes, a place where she could explore her imagination through color and form. "One of my happiest memories from childhood was going to my mom’s art classes to play and paint," she recalls. This early exposure instilled in her a deep appreciation for beauty, nature, and vibrant hues—elements that would later define her artistic journey.

While Olalla pursued formal education in Marketing and Social Communication, she never strayed far from the arts. Her passion for creativity extended beyond the visual realm, leading her to the Healing Arts and yoga instruction. However, the pull of artistic expression remained a constant force in her life, prompting her to experiment with various mediums, including encaustic painting, silversmithing, watercolor, collage, acrylics, and oils.

The turning point in her artistic career came in 2021. With her son stepping into adulthood and the world adapting to the pandemic, she found herself with the time and space to fully embrace her artistic inclinations. Enrolling in multiple art courses, she reignited her creative spark. Investing in an iPad Pro and Apple Pencil, she ventured into the realm of digital art, quickly finding success selling her pieces at a local store in Lafayette, Colorado. The rapid appreciation for her work inspired her to take her craft more seriously.

Determined to refine her skills, Olalla made a pivotal decision in 2024—she enrolled in the Mastery Program at the Milan Art Institute. "This program completely changed my art for the better. I went from doing naive-style drawings to mastering proportions and color combinations," she shares. She graduated in April 2025. As a Mastery Graduate her vision is clearer than ever: to devote herself entirely to the manifestation of art.

Based in her home studio in Boulder, Colorado, Olalla produces two paintings per week, blending abstract realism with a hint of magic. Her work, rich with layered textures and bold colors, serves as an invitation to recognize our deep interconnectedness with Nature. "Bold colors and beauty can make the world a better place, and we all can thrive more easily in an uplifting environment," she affirms.

Drawing inspiration from her family, dogs, nature, yoga students, and the broader artistic community, Olalla is now focusing on making her art more accessible. With a vision to integrate her work into everyday life, she is currently developing a line of wearable art.

With passion and perseverance guiding her path, Nicole Olalla is not just creating art—she is crafting a legacy of color, connection, and inspiration.