Hi there! I'm Nikki, the artist behind artxnikki . And I am so excited to welcome you to AXN Atelier - my new blog where I'll share some fun behind the scenes of the business. Think of this as an open invitation to step into my watercolor studio for a cozy chat. 

Welcome to AXN Atelier, the artxnikki Blog

Here, I’ll post just a few times a month about my painting process, travel inspiration and recommendations, exciting collaborations, and curated gift guides. Whether you’re an art lover, a travel enthusiast, or hunting for the perfect gift, I think AXN Atelier will a perfect place for us all to connect.

I have some really cool projects in the works right now (launching this coming winter season) and cannot wait to share them will you all soon here on the blog! 

First things first: I know I'll get this question a lot..

But Nikki, what's an Atelier?

An atelier is an artist's studio—it’s a French term for an artist’s workshop, a place of craftsmanship, creation, and inspiration. Derived from the Old French astelier (meaning a carpenter’s workshop, from astele, a splinter of wood), it evolved to describe the creative hubs of artists. In my atelier, I mix watercolors, sketch travel memories, and dream up new projects.

My Atelier consists of a corner in my living room where I paint at a little desk on my own little green-velvet loveseat, and an entire second bed-room where we house inventory, hold production, and fulfill orders. But my painting corner is a sacred space where I sketch, paint, and plan product development. I am surrounded by pin and cork boards on the wall, a bar-cart dedicated to art supplies, and usually piles of watercolor illustrations in the works balancing on the arms of the couch. 

A Glimpse into Art History

Historically, ateliers were vibrant centers of creativity. During the Renaissance, masters like Rembrandt ran ateliers where apprentices learned by watching and painting alongside them. In 19th-century Paris, artists like Monet and Degas filled their ateliers with light and color, creating masterpieces. Today, the term atelier is usually used to describe a personal studio—an artist’s space for creation. The term is rarely used in the US, but I love spotting "Atelier" signs above makers workshops when traveling in Europe. 

AXN Atelier, The Blog

AXN Atelier is where I'll get to share some of what happens in my little studio and art practice. Be on the lookout for posts featuring..

• Behind-the-Scenes: See what has inspired new collections and how they came to be

• Travel Recs: From cozy coastal towns in the States, to travels surrounding my upcoming residency in Champagne, France taking place in March for 3(!) weeks, I'll bring you travel guides with off-the beaten path reccomendations for coffee, sweets, shopping, and must-do's 
  

• Collaborations: Featured projects I've gotten to work on with other businesses (look out for our upcoming Newly Wed Cookbook with Good Housekeeping launching in October)

• Gift Guides: Discover Nikki-curated picks for art lovers and beyond. 
  

Atelier Picks

To kick things off, here’s a peek at some bestsellers lately:

• Kitchen Line Drawing Fine Art Print - $18+ - A vibrant blue watercolor line illustration inspired by late dinners that turn into early mornings. An AXN best seller! Buy it here 

  

• Classic Cocktail Coaster Variety Set - $7.50 - Perfect for a Cheers! and to decorate your bar cart. Buy it here

  

AXN Atelier is my way of inviting you into my creative world! Expect art, recommendations, and a sprinkle of nostalgia in every post.

Cheers, 

Nikki

Keep up with AXN Atelier

I have a bunch of blogs planned out but I'm always looking for what you all want to hear about! Have any axn projects you're wanting to know more about? Stories you want to hear? Leave your blog post requests in the comments below! 

Next week, expect the artxnikki story: the journey of how we came to be. 

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