NICK ELLIOTT’s ITALIAN RENAISSANCE: A MONTH OF ART, ATMOSPHERE AND ACCLAIM.

The celebrated world renowned rock art photographer Nick Elliot has returned from a triumphant month in Italy that has seen his dark, conceptual art embraced by critics and audiences alike.

Nick’s journey began in the heart of Rome, where he unveiled a major solo exhibition at the Medina Gallery, a space known for championing cutting-edge contemporary art. The show drew packed crowds, its brooding themes and dramatic compositions offering a stark contrast to the classical serenity of the city outside.

The success of the exhibition was immediate. Nick was invited back by the gallery and offered a year-long residency, during which his work will be displayed alongside a retrospective marking five decades of his career behind the lens. The retrospective will trace his evolution from celebrated rock photographer — capturing some of music’s most iconic artists— to a creator of haunting, introspective Dark Art.

His creative momentum continues to build. Nick’s latest series has been accepted at the Venice Art Fair and the Majorica Art Fair, two of Europe’s most prestigious showcases for contemporary art.

A particularly memorable moment of his Italian sojourn came at Castello Ruspola, medieval fortress in northern Lazio. Within its candlelit stone halls, Nick presented an intimate exhibition that left audiences enthralled. The setting — a place where centuries of history hang in the air — proved a perfect complement to his evocative imagery.

“Showing my work in such an atmospheric space was unforgettable,” Nick said after the event “Italy has a deep respect for art and emotion — it felt like my photographs had found a natural home.”

Nick’s return to the UK marks only a pause; plans are already in motion for his return to Rome later in 2026, to continue his collaboration with Medina Gallery and further explore Italy’s art scene.

After half a century of photographing the raw energy of rock and the shadows beneath human experience, Nick Elliott’s Italian chapter has reaffirmed his status as one of Britain’s most distinctive visual storytellers — an artist unafraid to expose both darkness and beauty in equal measure.

I will be back in 2026! With some totally new pieces had a whole new experience to enjoy when you come to a Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer fine art exhibition.

Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer…

By Crystal Sky.

WE MADE THE NATIONAL’S…

Wonderful news!

The project 50 years on the job a fine art coffee table book by Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer has been picked up by one of the Nationals. http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk took the story up late last week, and here it is!

Photographer postpones planned retirement after 50 years with paper

by David Sharman Published 13 Sep 2023 

A photographer has postponed his planned retirement after celebrating half a century working for a regional newspaper.

David Lowndes has stated his intention to “stay on” at the Peterborough Telegraph, where he began his career as a photographic assistant and trainee photographer in September 1973.

David, pictured, revealed last year that he originally planned to retire in September 2023.

He has served as the paper’s sole photographer, on a freelance basis, since 2014.

David Lowndes 2023

Speaking to HTFP, he said: “I am staying on at the newspaper, maybe – if they will have me – for a couple of more years while I am fit enough.

“I started at the Peterborough Evening Telegraph in September 1973 as a photographic assistant/trainee photographer. There were seven photogs using medium format cameras and hand-processed black and white negs and prints.

“We obviously served through the best time in the industry – the seventies and eighties before new technology and mobile phones with cameras appeared.

“Years later the newspaper went ‘morning edition’ and then weekly and by 2014 the photographic department was disbanded, leaving me as the sole photographer for the paper.

“It has been a privilege to document half a century of history in Peterborough, I have enjoyed it immensely and met many people – which is why it is so difficult to hang up my camera.

“A project coming up, with the help of Rock Art photographer Nick Elliott, is to produce a pictorial book to celebrate my 50 years.

“It should be completed by the end of the year which will be followed by several exhibitions, talks and book signings to highlight Nick’s images of me and my work.”

Related Topics

More to come.

Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer

A VERY PRODUCTIVE SUMMER..

The Summer of 23!

Weather wise it’s not been the best in the UK recently, but for me it’s been extremely productive. I’ve spent most of the summer in between working on other projects and commissions, producing a collection of fine art images that I hope to be touring next year in 2024.

This is a collection that’s been hanging around in my consciousness and imagination for sometime.I’ve never actually started to make a reality..

The series of Gallery and touring events planned for a six month period next year will feature totally new work and another side to my creativity.

A visual trip into the real side of Nick Elliott.

Let’s melt some faces!!

Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer..

PETERBOROUGH TELEGRAPH GRABS STORY…

Well! The secret is out…

50 Years On The Job! new fine art book By Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer.

The project was featured in a double page spread written by Peterborough Telegraph’s reporter Carly Roberts only a few days after my PR team wrote the story on social media

Just a start, I think a big thing is to come!

Thank you so much guys!

Nick Elliott Rock Art Photographer..

Brand New!! It’s Personal. The Nick Elliott Podcasts.

www.podbean.com/pi/pbblog-e2mks-d6ded0

The first of a brand new series of podcasts with special guests talking about special subjects and of course a lot of laughs and giggles along the way.

This week Nick is joined my radio Presenter and long time friend Chris Moore, where he talks about poetry and the 50th anniversary of the release of Nick’s favourite album of all time, Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.

SPECIAL IMAGES FOR A SPECIAL SHOW

Nick and the elliottstudios team have been working flat out to prepare for a very special exhibition showcasing some of Nick’s most outstanding fine art images. The exhibition will include narrative from Nick, and filmed by elliottblithefilms. It will be predominantly designed for broadcasting across the USA via Nicks USA Representative to selective galleries. However the finished video can be viewed in the U.K. at a later date.

Nick signing some of the exhibition pieces.

The exhibition will be recorded at an undisclosed location at the end of the month. It will display a large amount of Nick’s fine Art images, including some that have been carefully chosen from his unseen archive.

“ This is a really special exhibition experience. It allows the elliottstudios to showcase my work in a very unique way that will be kicking”. ( Nick Elliott)

As previously stated Nick’s U.K. fan base and fine art collectors, need not worry about missing out, as they will have the opportunity to see the exhibition at a slightly later date.

SLÁN GO FÓILL!

Slán go fóill, as they say in Ireland translates into the endearing phrase, ‘Goodbye, stay safe and see you very soon’, which is exactly what Nick and the elliottstudios team are planning for.

After a wrap was called for the very successful commissioned Irish Tour, shooting Simon Collins and his album collaborator, Kelly Nordstrom for album artwork and promo material, it’s now time for the team to head home and back into the studio where all the hard work starts.

Nick now has hours of editing and post producing over three hundred images taken on the Irish Tour. Each image can take up to an hour to post produce and bring it to the uniquely high, photographic fine art quality that is associated with Nick’s creations.

Prior to his departure, Nick and Simon discussed further collaborations, which will see Nick and the team travelling back to Ireland in the late Spring, Summer and Autumn, for further commissioned shoots for Simon’s next three albums. Simon is also keen for Nick to document an upcoming project between himself and his father, Phil Collins (lead singer and drummer for Genesis) which will take place in Phil’s hometown of Geneva, Switzerland.

“It’s been an amazing experience to work with two such talented musical geniuses and professionals. I’m looking forward to seeing the guys again and creating some more face melting art with them.” Nick Elliott.

Andy Blithe, who accompanied Nick to Ireland, took the opportunity to add more film footage to his documentary, ‘The story So Far’, chronicling the life of Nick due for release at selected cinemas and TV later this year.

IRISH EYES

As Nick’s Irish Tour draws to a successful close, it was time for a little down time to relax and enjoy the local surroundings with some of its charming characters.

Nick has been on a commissioned shoot on location in Kerry Ireland for several days. The purpose of the shoot was to supply album artwork and promo material for Simon Collins new album, out for an Autumn release in the U.K. Simon, Genesis drummer and son to Phil Collins, has been collaborating with Kelly Nordstrom, acclaimed Canadian guitarist, to produce a progressive rock album from Collins Irish studios.

Nick, has travelled to the Emerald Isle to capture some atmospheric fine art images of the duo at several prominent locations around The Republic Of Ireland. Accompanied by Andy Blithe, who is continuing Nick’s documentary of his life story, ‘The Story So Far’ and also documenting the Irish Tour, which has been hailed a resounding success by all participants.

The last day of the tour was an opportunity for everyone to to enjoy some relaxation after several hectic days shooting.

Simon Collins was keen to take Nick and the team to the local pub for some traditional Irish cuisine and beverages. Attracting the locals attention, it gave everyone the opportunity to swap some stories and even Nick swapped T- Shirts with an enthusiastic fan who recognised our world renowned photographer and Simon Collins.

Discussion’s are now taking place for a return trip for further commissioned shoots regarding Simon’s future albums that he is now working on.

ROCKING AND ROLLING IN IRELAND

Mulgrave Barrack, (Killarney National Park, County Kerry, Ireland) is Nick’s shoot location with the talented musicians Simon Collins and Kelly Nordstrom.

Mulgrave Barracks is an impressive site, and curiously has the appearance of an ancient castle ruin. The historical truth is in fact that the Mulgrave Barracks was a home built for the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) in the nineteenth century. Now left in ruins it has become the ideal location shoot for Nick to produce some of his unique fine art.

Rain has not dampened the spirits of anyone on the shoot, only added to the atmospheric photographic art that Nick is creating. The shoot is expected to stretch into the night, so it’s a busy day for all concerned.

The activity around the Barracks has already attracted some onlookers, and fans of Simon Collins, (Genesis drummer and son of Phil Collins) and Kelly Nordstrom (Canadian Rock Guitarist).

The finished images will be used as album artwork and promo material for Simon and Kelly’s new album which will be out for release in Autumn in the U.K.

Keep connected with nickelliott.info for updates on Nick’s Irish Tour and shooting progress.

ROCK PHOTOGRAPHERS UNITE

Nick is proving to be a big hit at Rock Photographers Collective (RPC), the reputable clothing company under the directorship of its founder David Trew.

Nick has previously supplied thirty unseen images for the exclusive use by RPC on their extensive clothing range and merchandise. These unseen images are proving to be extremely popular as Nick’s sales within RPC continue to rise.

RPC is an established rock art clothing company supplying quality hoodies, T-Shirts, rock art memorabilia and fine art prints using images from a select illustrious group of rock photographers, including Andy Cotterill, Tony Mottram, Angela Williams, Mick Hutson and our very own Nick Elliott.

For an opportunity to bag yourself an exclusive rock image by Nick and to check out the amazing clothing range, head over to rockphotographerscollective.co.uk for some retail therapy.

Happy Shopping

“It’s just wonderful that the sales at RPC are going so well, I believe that it’s a reflection of the quality of the clothing range and merchandise. Thank you David for including me in such a reputable company.” Nick Elliott rock art photographer.

Q & A. PART 12…

Q1. What is the one thing that you know now that you wished you knew when you were 20 years old? (Jason D. Essex UK)

A1. It’s not wrong to be different and be your true self. (Nick Elliott)

Q2. How do you improve your photography over the years? (B Angus Lincoln UK)

A2. My photography has improved because I no longer care, because caring means conforming and I have never conformed creativity to anything in my life. (Nick Elliott)

Q3. What does producing your images mean to you? Great fan of your work. I’m looking forward to seeing your Dark Art. (D Ellis London UK)

A3. The importance of my work to me, is immeasurable really. Each image is an expression of emotions, feelings, attitudes and moods. It’s an addiction rather than a want, to produce art, and when I can’t it makes me restless. ( Nick Elliott)

Q4. What type of cameras and lenses do you use? (JD Barker Norfolk.UK.)

A4. I’ve always used a combination of Canon, Roliflex and Mamyia cameras. My lenses are Canon EF. (Nick Elliott)

Q5. Can you tell me what tools you use to post produce and edit your images? What makes you realise you have a great image? (H Graeme. Hindleveston. UK)

A5. I edit through Photoshop. I always do 2 edits, first one to chop out the shit and the second to narrow it down tighter to see if the image will work as I initially saw it. When I see the shot I normally see it in black-and-white, not all images work in colour and vice versa. The image is about a statement and style and that interpretation can get lost if not post produced correctly. It’s about a deeper understanding of shadows, light, subjects, angles and individual style.

“Although Photoshop is the tool I use to edit and post produce my images, my eyes and sense of connection with my art and surroundings, delivers the message I want to convey”. (Nick Elliott)

Thank you for all your questions. Nick loves to answer them. If you have a question for Nick please send it to benicebond@icloud.com

UN TRATTAMENTO ITALIANO

(AN ITALIAN TREAT)

Nick‘s growing Italian fan base are in for a treat next year.

Raffy Clementi heads the Nick Elliott Italian page, she helps organise opportunities within the European fine art market, liaises with Italian businesses for sponsorships and negotiates TV and radio interviews, for Nick and elliottstudios. Raffy continues to make the Italian page a resounding success with an ever increasing Nick Elliott fan base and recognition from main stream musicians and rock bands.

Raffy has organised European sales of Nick’s fine art images, interpreting negotiations between Italian clients and elliottstudios.

After discussions at elliottstudios it has been decided that ‘The Story So Far’, Nick’s documentary charting his career and life should be released in Italy, fully translated with Italian subtitles.

This allows ‘The Story So Far’ documentary, produced by award-winning director Andy Blithe of Aturn Films to reach a wider audience across Europe.

“I’m so pleased about the growth of my Italian following and the interest in my art. Italy has always been a country that appreciates art, fashion and style”. (Nick elliott)