Ballymena artist’s growing success puts local creativity on an international canvas

Ballymena artist Nigel Allison

A Ballymena artist whose paintings are now hanging in private collections across the UK and overseas is continuing to expand his business while showcasing the landscapes of Northern Ireland to an international audience.

Nigel Allison, who is based at Ballymena Business Centre in Galgorm, has built a growing reputation for expressive seascape paintings inspired by the North Antrim Coast and the Wild Atlantic Way.

From local inspiration to international collectors

Working in acrylics and oils, Nigel creates colourful, textured paintings that seek to capture the movement, atmosphere and emotion of coastal landscapes.

His artistic journey began at an early age, encouraged by an art teacher who gave him the confidence to pursue a creative career. Over the years, his work has evolved from more traditional landscape painting towards a looser, more expressive style designed to create a stronger emotional connection with viewers.

Today, alongside his working studio at Ballymena Business Centre, Nigel has also opened a gallery in the heart of Broughshane village, where visitors can view his latest collections, meet the artist and gain an insight into his creative process.

His paintings have found buyers not only across the UK but also internationally, with works now held in private collections overseas.

Business continues to grow

As his reputation grows, Nigel continues to exhibit at major events, including Art Source at Dublin’s RDS, where he introduces his work to new audiences each year while reconnecting with established collectors.

The continued expansion of his business highlights the contribution that creative enterprises make to the local economy, with artists increasingly reaching customers far beyond Northern Ireland through exhibitions, galleries and online sales.

Melanie Christie Boyle MBE, Chief Executive of Ballymena Business Centre, praised Nigel’s achievements.

“Nigel’s exceptional talent and growing reputation are a testament to the strength of our local creative industries. It is a privilege to support businesses like Nigel’s as they grow and showcase Northern Ireland’s creative industry to wider audiences. We look forward to his continued success.”

Businesses seeking information about commercial property and business support services available through Ballymena Business Centre can find further details at www.ballymenabusiness.co.uk.

For Nigel Allison, the growth of his business demonstrates how locally inspired creativity can resonate far beyond County Antrim, with the coastline that inspires his paintings now reaching homes and collectors around the world.