Nicholas Stecher
Artist-Educator
My artwork is inspired by my many travels and experiences living in Southern California. I’m driven to share the beauty I see in the world around us. I create colorful realist watercolor paintings featuring natural and urban landscapes.
My work documents the experience of a particular place and time. I celebrate the beauty of cities and neighborhoods near and far. I enjoy the contrast and interplay of urban geometry with organic natural forms, as well as the coolness of shadows with warm light that I find when creating urban landscapes. Through researching and learning the history of the local landmarks and scenes that I paint, I can preserve a piece of the past in my contemporary work.
My current Anaheim Colony series aims to spread love for the beauty of my historic neighborhood. I aim to immortalize the historic charm of homes and buildings, and the hidden beauty around the corner. My favorite part of working as an artist on my Anaheim Colony series is the opportunity I get to hear wonderful, rich stories of peoples’ memories of the places I paint.
As an educator I strive to engage my students in authentic art practices where they must utilize their critical thinking skills in order to solve problems, interpret complex visual texts, and critique the work of others in order to contribute to a community of artists. I am proud to have served the educational needs of students in some of the most underserved communities in New York City and South Central Los Angeles for over a decade. As a Visual Art Curriculum Planning Team member, I developed a rigorous curriculum engaging all learners in art production, academic discourse, and critical reflection in order to meet the demand of Common Core Standards, higher education, and future career paths. Students under my care and guidance perform the work of artists as they document their creative process, engage in peer-feedback using the language of art, and cite evidence while elaborating on their position. Students are empowered to develop and proudly display their knowledge and voice through the production of their own artwork in a safe and supported manner.
Bachelor of Science in Art Education 2005 , State University of New York at New Paltz
Master of Arts in Art Education 2012, Boston University