Nicole Walker
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nicolewalker.bsky.social
Nicole Walker
@nicolewalker.bsky.social
860 followers 690 following 1.9K posts
Author-Illustrator
Sharing in Writing & Comics
Discusses Birds, Pets, life, ART
🏡BC Canada from Toronto

E: nicole@westcoastfloraandfauna.ca
W: westcoastfloraandfauna.ca
IG: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.anne.walker?igsh=OWc0cHMwMDRqM2h4&utm_source=qr
Posts Replies Media Videos
nicolewalker.bsky.social
E.C . Dove is venturing into our Cherry tree more often down from the Oak Tree. They quite like the temporary pumpkin 🎃 feeders I’ve been putting up and changing out. I know they are invasive but I hope they never leave - look at that face.

#bird #dove 🪶
An Eurasian Collard Dove sitting in a cherry tree on a rainy day. A Spanish Swamp Oak tree is in the background. Picture by Nicole Walker. An Eurasian Collard Dove sitting in a cherry tree on a rainy day. A Spanish Swamp Oak tree is in the background. Picture by Nicole Walker. An Eurasian Collard Dove sitting in a cherry tree on a rainy day. A Spanish Swamp Oak tree is in the background. Picture by Nicole Walker.
November 27, 2025 at 8:43 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
I joined #Folktaleweek2025 for #boatmanorink I’ve been working out a ‘season two in my head’ while needing to complete season 1 panels - this is all just for me & for fun. A project in learning my craft & finding my style while also developing the story & OC’s I’ve been slowly building #illustration
A ink and gouache, mixed media illustration for BOAT Manor Garden Faries. The same Juncos and scene was used for a Diwali Celebration Illustration. Two juncos keep warm by fire through the night. There is no signs of winter yet except a few decorations around BOAT manor and lights on the nearby houses. However, there is a crisp coolness and dampness to the air that chills your fingers when on the bone and nips at your nose and roses you cheeks. Or plumps up your feathers. However the birds and animas of BOAT manor know how to keep warm, even throughout the cool nights. There is a sign that reads: Don’t eat the decor Picture of the illustration on a hutch surrounded by other illustrations and old books
November 19, 2025 at 4:25 AM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
I haven’t added to my personal collection in quite awhile, well since my kids were little! I didn’t ask for anything for my bday so happy belated bday to me (and likely Christmas)😊 the illustrations and words are all so wonderful
A collection of picture books by various authors and illustrators on a hutch. Adventures in Desolation Sound The Pink Pajamas Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm Night Lunch Barnaby The Barnabus Project
November 16, 2025 at 11:10 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
@gingerngo.bsky.social loved seeing this out and as a staff pick!!!

#yvrbooks #kidlit
Grant and Ginger’s book in the wild
November 16, 2025 at 6:27 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Happy November #kidlitartpostcard

My Name is Nicole. I'm a mixed media artist from Canada currently focusing on traditional art mediums. Seeking Representation & would love the opportunity to work on illustrations for board books, children's books & middle grade books.
#illustration #kidlit #art
1/5 pieces for a series: Along Came A Spider: Embracing The Ugly, Imperfect and Letting Go... A Traditional Mixed Media Art Piece. Collaged, Ink, Gouache, Coloured Pencils, Water Soluble Wax Crayons. Scanned.
November 6, 2025 at 6:21 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Resting Dragon Face - Halloween addition #rdf #restingdragonface #batdragon #beardeddragon
Chompy the bearded dragon is helping hand out candy. Actually I have two helpers this year. It’s a nice change having company.
November 1, 2025 at 1:41 AM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
# PYI2025 Was more than I could have hoped for. I have never felt more supported, encouraged, inspired & proud. Feeling very grateful to be living in a country with such diverse, strong, brave risk takers willing to speak so bravely. The writings were impactful; meaningful. The artwork was beautiful
This picture represents: Till next year PYI2025 Image of Studio Desk with Sketchbook in the background with illustrations in a WIP a hot pink gouache and ink. Toronto Mug with Tea in Foreground. A souvenir Nicole picked up in the airport for herself before she left. She told her husband they could share but they both know it's just for her. He got Washi civil engineering tape. Spacing Shop is the best. In the background a print from the Spacing Shop in Downtown Toronto has the writing 'The Beaches' on the top. There is green Adirondack chair with a seagull standing on the arm of the chair. The print also has a Beach shed in background with a flock of flying seagulls, Lake Ontario and the beach make up the rest of the piece. Nicole bought The Beaches print because she lived in The Beaches (North Beaches apparently....but I guess that's the same thing she keeps thinking of saying to her mom) Can't blame her, Google Maps wasn't a thing back then.
October 31, 2025 at 7:27 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Leaving on a Jet Plane in less than 11.5hours. I once was a CSA West Jet employee back in my youth despite not liking airports or flying. I think I have all the art inspo from home I need to take. How many Golden & Beatrix potters books for colour refs is too many?! Comfy Shoes ☑️ #kidlit #kidlitart
Itinerary journal notes trip planning (thoughts) for Leaving for PYI2025 conference in Toronto hosted by CANSCAIP Trip planning for PYI2025 conference in Toronto hosted by CANSCAIP. A picture of Nicole’s grandparents then dining now Nicole’s studio hutch covered in books, art supplies and artwork and trinkets by Nicole and her family that is rotated but somethings always remain.
October 23, 2025 at 1:58 AM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Packing for #pyi2025 today. Excited. Nervous. Feelings like I don’t belong creeping in and then pushing them back out just as fast as I can. I don’t call Toronto home anymore (since forever) but I’m coming home. Sorry dad, I can’t take you in my suitcase with me-he really wants to go; he said 3 x’s😅
Going Home. So many textures so many memories in this picture. Nicole as a young child in her grandparents basement in a Toronto suburb in the early 80s. Her nana made her the velvet dusky blue dress that she wore for 3 years from 2-5 years old and wishes she still had it. She can still remember the feeling of the dress on her skin but cannot see it in her brain (aphantasia).
October 22, 2025 at 7:02 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
A little late but fireworks are still going - Happy Diwali to all my neighbours, followers who celebrate and anyone who is choosing to let some light in this year #diwali 🪶 #boatmanorink #ink #illustration #kidlitart #sketchbook
Sketchbook Inked Happy Dilwali BOAT Manor illustration by Nicole Walker. Patches a leucistic Oregon junco was first noticed 2 years ago. This year there is a new member of the family and is much more merled looking. The two leucoistic Oregon juncos are letting the light in standing near a Diya cande latern for Diwali. Cal and Fushia are bringing goodies to share with their friends and BOAT manor residents and the Pacific Firefly Larvae are lighting up the night sky with their bioluminescence that only they have and not their firefly parents. They are often referred to as glowworms. Inked copy of previous image with same details by Nicole Walker on a messy desk station
October 21, 2025 at 5:13 AM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Birds I would like to see while in Toronto I haven’t seen since I was a child.
1)Blue Jay-sorry west coast Stellars. Your goofy Mohawks and pointy beaks looks like confused teens that just woke looking 👀 for their misplaced acorn. 2)Cardinal- we just don’t get them out here.

Any others? 🪶 #jays
“Who are you looking at” a stellar Jay has just dug out an acorn out of a plant pot on a patio after checking 8 other ones first.
October 18, 2025 at 7:21 AM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Artists! Quote with your long hair ~~
An elf with long hair and roses in hair. traditional gouache. Illustration by Nicole Walker
October 18, 2025 at 12:17 AM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
As far as I got before I went back to the birds. Apparently I really didn’t want to start a new sketch today. The power of procrastination. But the crows look fantastic-my quill lettering I decided to do with no pencil guide below, not so much. Thank goodness it’s just a #sketchbook #wip #kidlitart
WIP inking an old sketch in sketchbook of Rocky the bunny delivering a cake from Rocky’s Roadside Village Bakery.
October 18, 2025 at 12:06 AM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
I stalked one on my summer vacation at Pedder Bay Marina in Sooke but I only had my iPhone 😅
grey Heron on a picnic bench at Pedder bay Marina. Photo by Nicole Walker on iPhone grey Heron taking flight at Pedder bay Marina. Photo by Nicole Walker on iPhone grey Heron fishing at Pedder bay Marina. Photo by Nicole Walker on iPhone
October 17, 2025 at 10:06 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Oh a lady bug landed on me 😅
A ladybug landed on an arm of a woman and she’s taking it as a good sign
October 17, 2025 at 9:49 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
I wanted to start a new sketch today but couldn’t quite start it yet. I took some inspiration pictures and video I might post later.

Instead practicing inking this old sketch of an original character and setting I made up for my portfolio.

Also ink water is disgusting 🤢
#wip #art #kidlitart #ink
WIP for Nicole inking an old sketch in the sketchbook for practice today. That is not a drink of cola it is ink water and it tastes disgusting
October 17, 2025 at 7:45 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Starting where I left off yesterday
Think I’m going to leave these sketchbook crows. It was fun playing with all the mediums. I think I like where it went and was happy I saw @crystalsmithart.bsky.social sky to inspire me to add some life to my sky-Liven things up :)
#art #illustration #kidlitart 🪶
Returning to everything as it was left last night. Open sketchbook. Music on pause and Bluesky still G the same place from last night with Hey Crystal Smith’s beautiful Hawk and lizard artwork Crow sketchbook illustrations by Nicole Crow sketchbook illustrations by Nicole WIP Crow sketchbook illustrations by Nicole WIP
October 17, 2025 at 4:19 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Just when I had the inner monologue “I’m enjoying this so much-I think I’ll switch to quills all the time” Fail! Knocked over half the bottle on ink on my sketchbook. It’s fine. Everything’s fine.

#sketchbook #artfail #ink #inking #inkfail
October 16, 2025 at 8:37 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Morning warm up. Giving quills and India ink a go for my morning warmup. I normally just use micron pens. I have to admit I like them but still scared of them. #sketchbook #wip #ink #birdart #crowart
Sketchbook crows WIP trying out quills and India ink
October 16, 2025 at 4:28 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Fun. WIP is a small personal comic I’m developing & curt working on character style. It will follow a year in the life of a group of birds living in an oak tree together. Mainly following northern flickers and a crow family that’s allowed to join & other song birds #artshare #kidlit #illustration 🪶
Page 4 and 5 inked pages WIP Garden Fairies: BOAT Manor Nicole Walker Bertie the crow and A possible sandpiper bird. From the sketchbook Nicole Walker Page 5 inked pages WIP Garden Fairies: BOAT Manor Nicole Walker
October 15, 2025 at 11:19 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Sketchbook warmup before I get back to inking page 5 of BOAT manor my venture into this bird and fairy world and a process to really learn and push myself as an artist.

#birds #birdart #ink #birdtober 🪶 #birdillustration #wildlifeart #kleinekunstklasse #illustration #kidlitart
Sketchbook of a crow and what ended up being a sandpiper. This is what happens when an artist with aphantasia draws with a reference and without a reference when first drawing a new character or type of animal. Sketchbook Illustrations Pencil, ink, water colour markers- Nicole Walker
October 15, 2025 at 6:33 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Part 2…of me realizing I need help from #birdsky where is the aldergrove BC crow winter roost site?
October 15, 2025 at 5:09 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Crows flying SE to winter roost site. First time I’ve noticed them flying this direction from our neighbourhood in 10 years. Footage from Friday.

Volume down if you don’t want to hear me narrate my inner monologue 🤣
October 15, 2025 at 5:02 PM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Bertie got an upgrade in the #sketchbook today

#characterdevelopment #birdcomic #birdillustration #crowillustration #boatmanorink #ink #traditionalart
Bertie Character Development Garden Faries Boat Manor Ink Sketchbook illustration Nicole Walker Bertie Character Development Garden Faries Boat Manor Ink and colour Sketchbook illustration Nicole Walker
October 15, 2025 at 2:05 AM
nicolewalker.bsky.social
Oh it’s beautiful. I took a picture even #kidlitchat

Some of the early evening pastel pinks/and oranges are something else too
Early Evening October Skies PNW skies
October 15, 2025 at 1:40 AM