Niles Nordquist, an Idaho artist, has spent decades mastering the craft of painting, but his journey to becoming a renowned landscape artist is anything but conventional. A self-described “academic” of art, Nordquist’s path has been shaped by a wide array of experiences, from his early days as an illustrator in Los Angeles to his later venture into landscape architecture and, ultimately, his true calling as a fine artist.
Nordquist moved to Idaho in 2010, where he now enjoys a life immersed in the creative and natural beauty of the American West. He quips, “We’ve been here long enough that we’re almost native,” referring to the deep connection he has with the land. “It’s not like New England, where you have to be five generations in before you’re considered local,” he adds with a laugh.
But his journey as an artist began long before he made the move to Idaho. “I graduated high school in 1962 and walked into Lockheed Aircraft as an illustrator on Monday morning,” Niles recalls, setting the stage for a long career in the arts. For the next ten years, he worked as an art director, honing his skills in illustration before deciding to shift his focus. “I got tired of illustrating other people’s ideas,” he shares, which led him to pursue a degree in landscape architecture.
While his landscape architecture career flourished in San Diego, Nordquist continued to paint, albeit casually. “I painted all along, but not seriously,” he admits. But about 25 years ago, he made the bold decision to return to painting full-time, leaving the rigid constraints of landscape architecture behind. His journey into painting was a return to what he loved most—creating art that was deeply personal and expressive.
Artistic Inspirations and Influence
Nordquist’s work today is influenced by the great classical oil painters of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Artists like John Singer Sargent and Anders Zorn, along with a host of lesser-known Scandinavian painters, serve as major inspirations. “There’s a tremendous abstraction in their compositions,” Niles explains, referring to these painters’ ability to blend realism with expressive brushwork.
His past experience as an illustrator still informs his approach to painting. “I’m an academic,” he says, “I study these artists. There’s a lot to learn from them.” This deep respect for classical techniques is evident in his work, which primarily features landscapes, wildlife, and figure studies, all painted in oil. While Niles once worked in watercolor—what he calls “the most difficult medium”—he now focuses on oils, embracing their versatility and richness.
The Art of “Place” and the Pursuit of Perfection
When creating a new piece, Niles’ mantra is simple: “Everything you see has gone through my eyes.” He emphasizes the importance of capturing a genuine sense of place, often the uncommon view, something that can only come from firsthand experience. His landscapes are often painted on location, with sketches and color studies made in the field. “You can’t just set up and paint when you’re hiking in high mountain country,” Niles points out. He’s trekked through rugged terrain in places in Idaho, the Sierras, the Wind River Range and Alaska’s Inside Passage, capturing the essence of the land in his work.
Though his canvases are often inspired by nature, Niles is quick to note that artistic success is rarely a straightforward journey. “Every painting starts out with a vision, but it never comes out exactly like that,” he says. “It’s always different, and that’s what makes it rich.” This openness to ambiguity is a key part of his process. He encourages aspiring artists to embrace failure as part of the journey, emphasizing that, “You’ll learn a whole lot more from the failures than the successes.”
Local Impact and Philanthropy
Niles’ impact extends beyond his artistry. A key part of his personal and professional philosophy is the idea of giving back. “At this point in my career, I don’t need to make a bunch of money,” he says, explaining that all proceeds from his art go to support nonprofit causes, including water projects for women and families in communities in Africa, and local non-profits, and organizations like the Tunnels-to-Towers Foundation.
His community involvement is a testament to his belief in art’s higher purpose. “The mission statement of his non-profit organization, The HeArt Endeavor, is “for the more noble purposes of art,” he shares, underscoring the importance of using one’s talents for the greater good.
Locally, Nordquist’s work has been well-received, with sales through word of mouth and local galleries, including a number of large pieces sold to private collectors. Referring to Finer Frames in Eagle, “Meg’s place has sold a bunch,” he says of one of his main local contacts. “She’s a great connector.” Niles’ relationship with the local art community has also been fostered through his involvement with organizations like the California Art Club and the Oil Painters of America, where he continues to interact with peers and share insights.
An Artist Who Gives Back
Despite his established career and reputation, Niles remains grounded, focusing not on fame or wealth but on the joy of creation and the impact his art can have on others. “Everything you see here has gone through my eyes,” he reiterates, emphasizing the deep personal connection he shares with his work. Whether through his breathtaking landscapes or his philanthropic endeavors, Niles Nordquist’s legacy as an artist and community member is one of passion, dedication, and selflessness.
Niles shares a simple message: “Do what you love. Every artist had to start somewhere.” His art, while valued for its technical skill and beauty, also serves as a reflection of the heart and purpose behind the brushstrokes. Visit Finer Frames in Eagle or nilesnordquist.com for more information.
