Marion Nicoll
(1909-1985)
Marion was born in Calgary and studied art at the Ontario College
of Art in Toronto, the Institute of Technology and Art in Calgary,
and the LCC School of Arts and Crafts in London, England.
Marion taught design and crafts at the Provincial Institute of
Technology and Art (now ACAD) until 1966 and was its first woman
instructor. She was also the first woman on the prairies to become
a member of the Royal Canadian Academy.
She was a staunch member and supporter of the ASA, and also a
member of the Print and Drawing Council of Canada. In 1958 she was
awarded a Canada Council Grant and received the Province of Alberta
Achievement Award.
Marion produced strong watercolours, drawings and oils through
the 1930's, 40's and 50's. While teaching at the Banff School, she
met Jock MacDonald who introduced her to automatic drawing which
became a bridge to her later abstract works. In 1957-58, Marion
studied at Emma Lake with New York artist Will Barnet, and later
attended the Art Students League of New York.
With the assistance of a Canada Council Grant, the Nicolls went
to Europe in 1959 and returned to Calgary in the 60's to produce a
prolific amount of new work.
Her paintings and prints are distinctive in their bold
composition and imagery. She experimented with many print-making
techniques, including woodblock and clay prints. Marion was
probably the first artist to work with the Apple computer (using
the "MacPaint" program) to produce limited edition prints.

This artist does not have any artworks currently listed.