At the beginning of 2026 Nikki was lucky enough to be able to spend 6 weeks in Rome and Florence learning Renaissance Portrait Oil Painting with Laura Thompson at The Florence Studio & exploring the museums of Florence and Rome. Having dedicated studio time with such a wonderful art mentor like Laura was a life time highlight, along with exploring the work of master artists in a large number of small and large museums and galleries in Florence and Rome.

With Laura Thompson Nikki undertook the age old tradition of expanding her portrait painting skills by painting a master copy of “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer. Under her expert guidance and teaching Nikki was able to significantly deepen her understanding of both portrait painting and the joy of painting with oils.

She also ate a LOT of gelato!

Nikki was also inspired by the exceedingly varied forms of street art in Florence.