with love, nick alm

June is finally here and therefore, it’s officially summer!
A precious and highly sought after time of every year if you’re a Swede like me and what better way to celebrate this time of year with a Swedish artist, namely Nick Alm (b. 1985). I’m happy that this month’s artist decided to become just that. I’ve browsed through his homepage and I’ve been blessed, spoiled and fed. What an absolute talent! One day I’ll be at least half as gifted as he his and able to paint with watercolour in the way that he does.

His paintings have a very Ron Francis-esque feeling to them with a splash of Edward Hopper. Absolutely gorgeous! While Edward Hopper’s paintings turn you in to a silent spectator and Ron Francis’ makes you more of a participant, the work of Nick Alm makes you a mixture of both. Like it’s your duty to be there. Be a part of it and capture certain moments, like a photographer.

The portrayal of emotions thanks to his amazing eye for details turns every work in to an remarkable storytelling. Each painting peaks your interest and leaves you wanting to know more. It’s the way he takes ordinary, everyday human emotions and experiences and turns them in to pure poetry. Like hell yeah, I went to a party once (or gathering) and everyone looked at me as I entered the room as if I wasn’t supposed to be there but bitch, here I am and it was slightly awkward. Yes of course! Or the feeling afterwards when you’re sweaty, breathing heavily and feeling satisfied.. for once. And of course, when you’re back at one of your friends house after a fun night of partying in the city. 20-something years old in the summer around 4.30 am. The sun is coming up and instead of going to bed you’re up having a heart to heart about everything between heaven and eart while having a glass of wine or two or whatever beverage was left behind in her home from when you were both getting ready to go out.

Just the two of you pouring your heart out talking about everything that happened that same night and about life in general and smoking a lot of cigarettes while also asking yourself how you still have any cigarettes left. There may be some tears. Definitely a lot of laughter. Music playing in the background at a low, soft and comfortable volume. And one of those raw occasions where you can just be.

Or.. maybe these are two friends talking for the last time, mutually deciding to end their friendship? Maybe the gathering is not an awkward situation, but a memorial service. And maybe it’s not an orgasmic satisfaction and bliss, but a satisfaction that it’s finally over. Who knows, but we’ve all been in at least one of these situations before.

In a perfect scenario I would’ve posted all of his creations here, but he does have a website that you should absolutely check out. But here are some of my favourites:

Victorias window (2025)

Gathering (2018)

Bedroom (2022)

Ruset (2017)

The basement door (2022)

Afterwards (2019)

And these are all oil paintings and his watercolour paintings are equally as impressive. How he manages to use the perfect combination of colors, placement of shades and shadows. They’re so captivating and I’m just.. Thank you mr. Alm for creating them and many more.

All images are from Nick Alm’s website.
© All rights to the images, music, clips, and other materials used belong to their respective owners. I do not claim ownership over any third-party content used. This post and website is for appreciation purposes only.

Other artworks that I’ve written about: Lover of art
Ron Francis
La cama Inglesa
The Swing
Hugues Merle
Les Saltimbanques