Nicholas Simmons was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He began painting in Sarasota, Florida and studied with many well-known watercolorists, most notably Valfred Thelin and Barbara Nechis. (his work is featured in Nechis' acclaimed book, "Watercolor From The Heart").

He quickly developed a bold original style, and enjoyed much early success. Also an accomplished guitarist, he made music his first career, only painting occasional commissions. In 2002 he returned to painting full-time, and launched www.nicholassimmons.com in 2003.

A few short years later, he has earned a reputation as one of the most exciting contemporary watermedia artists on the scene. His work is admired by fellow artists worldwide, and is held in public and private collections throughout the United States and abroad.

Nick Simmons is also sought after as a workshop artist, and is known for his fresh, unorthodox, and often irreverent approach. His laid-back easygoing personality creates a relaxed atmosphere.

In addition to the painters he has studied with, he lists the work of John Singer Sargent, J.A.M. Whistler, Joaquin Sorolla, J.M.W. Turner, Henri Toulouse Lautrec, Gustav Klimt, Paul Klee, Mark Rothko, Andrew Wyeth, Robert Motherwell, Mauricio Lasansky, and Alex Kanevsky as influences.

In 2007, he won top prize at the National Watercolor Society 87th Annual Exhibtion.

He lives in the Washington D.C. area with his wife Olga Ivanovna and daughter Larissa