Former TV producer/director and CEO of Alchemy TV, Nicola Gooch revels in the freedom of expression afforded by painting and enjoys implying a narrative and humour in her work.

She is fascinated by the rich palette and emotional rawness of early 20^th century modernist and expressionist painters such as Edward Burra, Otto Dix and Helene Schjerfbeck and has received  commissions from some fascinating subjects, including her dog minder, an inspiring politician and the creative director of an Italian fashion house.

Nicola enjoys attempting to capture the intense enthusiasm of dogs and takes commissions for dog portraits. Every year, one of Gooch’s pooch paintings is a prize in the Ultimate News Quiz charity auction, presented by Grayson Perry, which raises money for Action for Children.

Nicola studied portraiture and composition in courses at the Slade, the Royal Drawing School, Raw Umber Studios and was taught by painter, illustrator and muralist Rui Paes. She lives in Lavenham, Suffolk.

Contact: Nicolagooch1@me.com

“We are always delighted to have one of Nicola Gooch’s highly inventive portraits as a prize for our quiz. The dog owners have been thrilled by the way she captures the personality of their beloved pet.” Martha Kearney, BBC broadcaster and organiser of The Ultimate News Quiz.