The herald., 1896-03-27


| life or of bread-winning, she studied art
in one of the schools of Kensington
Museum. Having passed through the
elementary classes without special dis
tinction. it was a surprise to herself at
the end of several years that she carried
off the Queens Prize, sixty pounds per
year for three years. TO this amount
the queen added ten pounds, a special
gift, showing high approval. After one
years study Mrs. Nichols sacrificed this
prize in order to go to Rome-attracted
by the brilliant color of the sunny south.
With CameranO she studied the human
figure. and with Vertunni, landscapes.
Evenings were spent at the CircilO Ar.
tistco. club of professional artists
Spanish. Italian. French. German, Amer.
lean. Dutch. Each criticised his neigh.
Dor. These Cosmopolitan critics made
an era in Mrs. Nichols art life. The
pose lasted five evenings then places
were changed. This was the most prof.
table period of Mrs. Nichols study.
Two hours work in water colors neces-
stated freedom and dash, quick con-
ception of character and broad treat
ment These characteristics still con-
stitute the chief charm of Mrs. Nichols
work. and place her in the front rank Of
artists. She was summoned before the
queen of Italy to receive compliments
and congratulations on her attainments.
After three years she went to South
Africa. where her brothers had an Os-
trich farm of 25.O00 acres, with the
finest flock in the world. The vast
Of desert with it's scorched veg
citation. bordered by misty mountain
lines, was a new revelation to her Eu.
rOpean eyes.
This artist had already been recog-
nized in England her work having been
hung on the line at the Royal Academy
Later, Mrs. Nichols visit
ed Venice again. where she made the
of her future husband.
After years time Mr.. and Mrs. Mich
oils We're married in England, and set
sail at once for America, in 1884. On
her arrival. her talent met with instant
recognition. Substantial prizes were
won in New York Boston and Chicago
silver and gold medals.
The wide reach of her subjects is re.
shining walls of Italy, shim-
mering sands of the desert. the joyous
water OF the lagoon. ostriches, naughty
Kaffirs. gay gondolas, monks and nuns,
interiors. More charming
than all these motifs are her two chill
dren. whom she occasionally introduces
in her pictures. How she catches them
is a mystery, for they are veritable but
terflies. humming birds. Wills-o-the-
wisp. The titles of some of her pictures
tin oiD are Those Evening Bells Daugh-
ter of Eve. A. Pastoral. lin water color,
The Scarlet Letter, Searching the Scrip
lures. The Indian after the Chase.
The Churchman considered her q
painter of religious pictures. Only seri-
aus subjects attract her; but in every.
thing she finds joyous color. Mrs. Nich-
oils is the vice-president of the y. Y.
Water Color Club, member of the Wom-
ans Art Club of y. Y..and also of Cana
la and of the Aquarelle Club Of Rome.
Though not fond of society. she does
not neglect it,-on account of her chill
dren. She is often seen at late after
noon teas and receptions. and is men,
Der of the Barnard club.
Her house. on West Fiftieth street, iS
the now old-time three-story -and-base-
ment affair. open on every side to sum
shine and fresh air. This home is at the
same time studio. class room, picture
gallery and museum of curios. Mrs.
Nichols pupils, whose name is legion,
beSiege her there till June locks the
door and allures her to pastures green.
Mrs. Nichols is best known by her