A prodigious painter from childhood, Nicholas won a scholarship to study art in France at the age of 16. He subsequently studied sculpture at St. Martin’s School of Art, London and film direction at The National Film & Television School. Nicholas comes from a sport oriented family and the hunting and racing prints he grew up with evidently made an impression. His great Uncle Trot Radmore (see photo below) gave riding lessons to the young Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret and his uncle David Sulman trained racehorses in Ireland.
Nicholas, known under both his father's and mother's names, has shown cinema, television, photography and visual art internationally. He has had three major solo exhibitions in the UK and his work has been nominated for The Flaherty Award; The Grierson Documentary Award; Prix Italia and Prix Pictet. He has received numerous Arts Council England Awards for his work as a filmmaker, photographer and visual artist.
Nicholas aims to produce original, high quality art using traditional techniques. He has always maintained his drawing skills, a discipline he regards as central to visual culture. His equestrian work, with an emphasis on the sport of eventing is also informed by his experience of photography and the moving image. Nicholas has originated a new genre of equestrian art - one which can represent the dynamic movement of horses and riders.
Nicholas offers international commissions for equine sporting scenes and portrait paintings in watercolour and oils. For equestrian portraiture, he prefers to visit, draw and photograph the subject and to discuss its characteristics with the owner but he can also work from provided photography. Visits to the studio in the North Lakes, Cumbria, UK are welcome by arrangement.
Only the finest quality, 100% light-fast materials and bespoke archival framing are used, which ensures that all work from the Nicholas Sulman studio will remain a sound and lasting investment.
Some of the original paintings featured on this website are for sale. Limited edition Giclee prints on 100% cotton paper of many watercolour works are also available. Please ask for details.
Nicholas believes that the classic media of watercolour and oil painting remain full of potential and he is keen to innovate, embracing both the traditional and the contemporary - and he would be very pleased to discuss your ideas for a commission. Prices are aimed to be accessible - for a commissioned drawing or watercolour, prices start at £300 + framing. Prices for an oil painting start at around £700. Please use contact form to make an initial enquiry.
Nicholas is a member of the Bronze & Brush group of sporting and equestrian artists.