Nicole Ruuska

grew up in Thunder Bay, Ontario.  The incredible beauty of the abundant woodlands, lakes and wildlife fueled her passion for drawing and painting.  Being a self-taught artist, Nicole continues to challenge herself using Mother Nature as her canvas.  This includes painting on stones, tree fungus, feathers, oyster and scallops shells.  In the Spring of 2023, Nicole was commissioned to paint the cover of best selling author and Order of Canada recipient Carol Ann Cole's last novel, "Around the Corner with Paradise".  Nicole also excels at painting portraits, pets, farm life, East Coast seascapes and wildlife.  Nicole's fine artwork has graced many galleries across Canada, featured in "Birds and Blooms" "More of Our Canada" and "Saltscapes" magazines.  Nicole has appeared on CBC Radio Canada, as well as numerous newspaper articles across Canada, gaining her recognition throughout North America, Europe, Oceania and Asia.  Nicole and her husband musician, singer/songwriter, Damian Brennan, reside in the beautiful Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia.