Hey there — I’m Nicole Burmeister, the artist behind nicoleinbold.
I’m a prairie-dreaming, pastel-smeared, chocolate-milk-drinking creator who believes that art (and life) is better when it’s a little messy, a lot meaningful, and entirely your own.

Soft pastels are my medium of choice, and wild open spaces—prairies, marshes, big skies—are where my heart feels most at home. These landscapes aren't just pretty pictures to me; they’re stitched into my story. I got engaged on the Konza Prairie. Spent family vacations soaking in the marshy magic of the Outer Banks. Every painting is an invitation for you to slow down, breathe deep, and reconnect—with nature, with yourself, with the beauty of the in-between moments.

When I'm not in my studio (aka the breakfast nook), you’ll find me homeschooling my daughter, hiking with my husband and our chaos-in-fur-form pets, or championing the lost art of doing things on purpose instead of on autopilot. Board games, baking experiments, spontaneous dance parties in the kitchen? All part of the rhythm around here.

But my path to art wasn’t exactly paint-by-numbers.
Growing up, creativity often felt like a competition—not a safe space. Comparisons, criticisms, and a whole lot of emotional landmines made it hard to trust my own voice. It wasn’t until I set some much-needed boundaries (and yes, went no-contact with parts of my immediate family) that I finally gave myself permission to create for me.

Soft pastels found me right when I needed them most—and they’ve been healing parts of me ever since.

Pastel work, for me, is a full-body experience. It’s tactile, raw, messy, and mindful all at once. Every layer, every smudge, every hand-washing session (yes, pastel hands are a whole thing) reminds me:

Creation doesn’t need permission. It just needs presence.

My work is grounded in a few non-negotiables:
🌱 Freedom
🌱 Honesty
🌱 Compassion
🌱 Mindfulness
🌱 Curiosity

These aren’t just values I throw around—they shape the way I show up every day, both in life and in art. Whether I’m building a limited palette prairie, crafting a one-of-a-kind commission, or simply making space for slow creative mornings, I believe art is less about perfection and more about connection.

If you’re craving a little more peace, beauty, and breathing room in your life, you’re in the right place.
My paintings aren’t just scenes; they’re little windows into calm—ready to hang in your home and invite you back to yourself whenever you need it.