REDLANDS, Calif. – R. Mike Nichols paints in both acrylic and watercolor in what he describes as an eclectic and surrealistic style. nichols will be one of five artists featured during the annual “Evening with the Artists” hosted by the Redlands Community Hospital Foundation on Friday, April 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Nichols, who paints exclusively from photographs, loves painting images with strong light and shadow. Favorite subjects include his dogs, floating men and koi fish. His quirky approach to photographed subjects allows him to paint them as a story, expanding on deeper meanings and blurring the line between abstraction and photo-realism. Although he is inspired by impressionist painters such as Vincent van Gogh and Paul Gauguin, Nichols paints with a flare representative of expressionism.

“I would describe my style as representational with a nod towards the surreal,” says Nichols. “I paint what speaks to me.”

A graduate of Long Beach State, with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Illustration and a Master of Art degree, nichols has spent the last 40 years working in watercolor and the last 10 in acrylics. A majority of his career was spent illustrating for commercial card companies and magazines, until he transitioned to life as a full-time artist in 2008.

Nichols is currently a member of the National Watercolor Society, American Watercolor Society, Transparent Watercolor Society of America, and Riverside Art Museum. He is an Artist Member of the California Art Club, a Signature Member of the San Diego Watercolor Society, and a Juried Member of Watercolor West. Additionally, nichols has had his work published in a variety of art-related books and has had his works displayed in a number of exhibitions around the world.

“I always challenge my level of creativity and technical ability,” he explains. “My goal is to satisfy myself artistically.”

Nichols joins local artists Bill Hudson, Charlie Ciali, Diana McLaughlin, and Lisa McDill at the annual “Evening with the Artists” event. Nichols’ artwork will be available for purchase at the Stan and Ellen Weisser Education Pavilion from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 24. Proceeds will benefit the Redlands Community Hospital Foundation’s art fund. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served during the evening’s elegant event. Tickets are $20.

The Foundation’s art program began in 1978 and today, the hospital exhibits a collection of more than 800 works of original art and historic photographs in the Redlands Community Hospital Art collection.

For more information on the “Evening with the Artists” event or to RSVP, please call (909) 335-5500. To see a sample of Nichol’s artwork, please visit www.mnico.weebly.com.

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Redlands Community Hospital Foundation supports Redlands Community Hospital, which is an independent not-for-profit, stand-alone hospital.