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Nicole's artistic career began in childhood. As a girl, she loved to spend time experimenting with watercolor painting as well as pencil and chalk drawings. It was evident, at an early age, that Nicole possessed a gift for expressing her heart through her hands.

In 1989, Nicole achieved her Associates degree in applied arts and science. That same year, she married the love of her life, Matt Stahl, and settled into a part-time job, working for a nationally recognized photographer. On the side, Nicole set up Fox Den Studio, a home-based studio from which she freelanced in graphic design, specializing in the design of business logos and related materials. In just three years, Nicole's clientele had grown to the point where her graphic work demanded her full-time effort, and she left her position at the photography studio. Of these years, Nicole comments, "I liked working in graphic design, but it seemed to be missing something … I hadn't yet found my niche."

Four years later, in 1993, Nicole was commissioned to paint a wall mural for a child's playroom. From the moment the paint touched the wall, Nicole knew she had found her passion as an artist. "It was pure fun … working on a large scale, smoothing the paint onto the wall and creating different textures with my hands and brushes was joy."

That first mural merged Nicole's graphics company into a full-time commercial and residential mural career. For more than four years, she painted large, exquisitely detailed wall murals in private residences, hospitals, city offices and shopping malls. Her work was gaining recognition and her word-of-mouth business was growing faster than she had ever anticipated.

Then, in 1998, at the persistent encouragement of her husband, Nicole retired from murals and began working on her own canvas collection.

"Having been born with an innate love for living creatures and having had the privilege of creating an ocean scene for a previous mural client, I instantly knew what I wanted to paint, and I knew it had to be large," says Stahl. "Now, being able to initiate textures using my hands to move the paint onto the canvas is so fully satisfying and joyful. This is what I was meant to do."

Today, Nicole specializes exclusively in large-scale canvas work. Her signature designs depict mesmerizing oceanic scenes. Nicole's combination of great luminosity and extraordinary detail are reflected not only in the underwater creatures themselves, but on every inch of the canvas. No area of a painting is wasted. Each brushstroke makes it's contribution to the whole through precise placement, and vibrant color.

Because she is committed to excellence, Nicole continually educates herself in all aspects of her career. She is a certified diver and enjoys traveling the globe to explore the wonders that lie beneath the ocean's surface. By personally capturing underwater images on film, Nicole creates a unique reference point from which she brings her canvases to life.

"My hope is that when you view my work, it causes you, for a moment, to just be still … to focus on the sacredness of life. Perhaps it will even trigger, in you, wonder for the One who so thoughtfully designed, and lovingly created, our world," says Stahl. "The earth is teeming with life abundant, and while we are here, we must enjoy it fully and protect it carefully, as those who have been given an invaluable and precious gem."

As a worldwide marketed artist of exquisite craftsmanship, Nicole has no difficulty obtaining top commissions. Her notable work has drawn the attention of the largest gallery in the world, Park West Gallery, located in Southfield, Michigan. Now her remarkable images are offered on over 65 cruise ships spanning the globe! So look for Nicole's extraordinary work on your next ocean cruise.