Interview with Alexandrea Nicholas-Jennings
“ALWAYS DREAM ONE SIZE BIGGER.”
“ALWAYS DREAM ONE SIZE BIGGER.”
Alexandrea Nicholas-Jennings is a Classically Trained Portrait and Imaginative Artist from Niagara, living and working in Toronto, Canada.
Her extensive formal artistic training in the Classical Atelier method includes years studying in Toronto and the GCA in New York City. She also earned a four year Fine Arts Degree from The University of Western Ontario. In addition to this, she earned her Honours Bachelor of Arts Education and an Honours Specialist in Art Education. Alexandrea has been mentored by and has studied with Will St. John, Dan Thompson, Dale Zinkowski, Tony Curanaj, Diana Buitrago, Anthony Baus and Gregory Mortenson to name a few.
Alexandrea has won many International Art Awards. She received Signature Status from the Portrait Society of America. She won First Prize in The 11th Edition Boynes Artist Award and Residency Program 2025, First Place at The Salmagundi Club of New York 2025 148th Annual Black & White Exhibit and she is a Finalist in The 18th International ARC Salon Competition. In addition, she has exhibited with The Royal Society of British Artists at The Mall Galleries in London 2025 Annual Exhibit, she won The Gold Prize from The Canadian Portrait Society and had a Solo Exhibit in New York City at Dacia Gallery entitled “Audaciously Alice” in October 2024. Alexandrea feels that she is just getting started as her ‘creative well is very very deep’.
Alexandrea is only looking forward and not back as she has acquired the new mantra:
“The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me?” - Ayn Rand
She works under the pseudonym of Alice and sometimes Alex.
Her personal work has taken a drastic turn after suffering a devastating set of personal losses, as she inspects 'the self' in her “Alex in Wonderland” series after that first plunge down the rabbit hole.
This dystopian body of work is deeply personal, whimsical and spiritual all at once, while facilitating a chromatic palette, vintage icons and antiquities. Her Alice paintings explore more lively and Impressionistic brushwork than in her Classical work, lending itself to the fantastical nature of Wonderland.
Alice always thrives and so does Alex.
She continues to “grow one-size-bigger to her rightful size” through the practice of painting, her Art Adventures around the world and her chapters in oil of her Wonderland.
“SOME STORIES REQUIRE RESTRAINT. OTHERS DEMAND IMAGINATION.”
“SOME STORIES REQUIRE RESTRAINT. OTHERS DEMAND IMAGINATION.”
This interview offers an intimate look into the artist's creative world, revealing how a strong foundation in Classical Realism became the basis for developing a deeply personal and narrative-driven artistic language. Through the Alex in Wonderland series, she transforms life experiences into visual metaphors, blending technical precision with imagination and introspection. The conversation also explores the defining milestones of her career, the influence of Toronto and New York on her artistic development, her passion for teaching, and her vision for the future, shaped by literature, travel, and continuous creative exploration. Overall, the interview portrays an artist who sees art as a powerful way to tell stories, grow, and connect with the world.
As we continue celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Guide Artists Magazine, we are proud to present Issue 101, featuring Alexandrea Nicholas-Jennings on the cover.
This edition brings us one of the most striking covers and portraits of the year. With its strong presence, elegance, and character, the cover perfectly reflects the creative spirit of this new issue.
Inside, readers will discover our latest summer releases, new artistic projects, and a special selection highlighting some of the most interesting artists and developments currently shaping the art market.
After reaching the milestone of our 100th issue, we continue moving forward with the same enthusiasm and commitment that inspired us from the beginning: discovering talent, sharing meaningful stories, and creating a space where contemporary artists from around the world can be seen and celebrated.
Thank you to all the artists, readers, collectors, galleries, and collaborators who continue to be part of this journey.
Welcome to Issue 101 of The Guide Artists Magazine.
DISCOVER MORE… THE GUIDE ARTISTS MAGAZINE ISSUE 101
