Bio
Gaby Nighan (b. 1995) is a Colombian-American realist painter known for her figurative and portrait works. She completed a 4 year classical training at Grand Central Atelier in Queens, New York, where she also teaches drawing. Through color and investigation of the figure, she explores psychology, cultural identity and the human experience.
Gaby was a finalist in the Art Renewal Center 18th International Salon. Her work has been exhibited internationally in museums and galleries across Europe and the United States.
Education
2022-2026 - Core Program at Grand Central Atelier. Queens, New York.
2021 - 12-Week Drawing & Painting Intensive Workshop with Melissa Franklin Sanchez. The Florence Academy of Art. Florence, Italy.
2013-2017 - Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Minor in Fine Art, University of California, Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara, California.
Awards
2026 18th International ARC Salon Recipient of MEAM Exhibition Award
2026 Art Ascend Competition Second Place Portrait Category
2025 New Salem Museum of Art International Painting Competition Finalist
Publications
December 2025 Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine “Three to Watch”
Selected Shows
2026 18th International ARC Salon, Sotheby’s, NYC
2026 Selected Works at Wishbone Gallery, 35 Allen St, NYC
2026 MEAM Realism 26 Show, Barcelona, Spain
2025 New Salem Museum of Art International Painting Competition Finalist Show, New Salem, MA
2025 Cold Snap Winter Exhibition, Brooklyn NY
2024 Grand Central Atelier End of Year Show, Salmagundi Club, NYC
2023 Grand Central Atelier End of Year Show, Salmagundi Club, NYC
2023 Hudson River Fellowship Show, Mashomack Club, Pine Plains, NY
Teaching
Figure Drawing, Grand Central Atelier, NYC, USA
Figure Drawing, Drawing America, NYC, USA