Watercolor Painting of Alaska's Atmosphere

Visualizing something you can’t see, like ionization, the transport of gases, or tiny ice crystals, is challenging. Therefore, I use watercolor paintings of the atmosphere to illustrate atmospheric conditions. Knowing the physics of the atmosphere permits visualization of wind, storms, bad visibility, temperature inversions, ice crystals blocking radiation, or ionization of molecules. Enjoy the following examples of this art journey.

Motion

pine tree at the beach on a stormy day in AK watercolor painting by Nicole Mölders — Pine Tree at the Beach on a Stormy Day. This watercolor painting features a storm with via rainy clouds and strong waves.

Ice Crystals and Radiation Interaction

birches under the full Moon in October watercolor painting by Nicole Mölders — Birches under the Full Moon in October. Watercolor painting of the atmosphere indicating ice crystals are at high levels in the troposhere.

Condensation Reducing the Visibility

fireweed with fog background Misty summer morning in college watercolor painting by Nicole Mölders — Misty summer morning in College

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Artist Bio

Nicole Mölders learned perspective drawing from Hermann Mölders and took art as an elective in High School. Her watercolor paintings were frequently chosen for exhibitions. This artistic pursuit continued alongside her academic endeavors as she pursued her graduate studies in meteorology (Diploma) and Geophysics (Ph.D.) at the University of Cologne, Germany. She also dedicated three years to silver-smithing classes with Katherine Kuhlmann during this time. Even as she worked on her second doctorate (habilitation) at the University of Leipzig, Germany, watercolor painting remained a beloved hobby.

She revisited watercolor painting after retiring from the University of Alaska Fairbanks as an Emerita of Atmospheric Sciences. She took classes from the renowned artists Shayla Sackinger, Tom Nixon, Vladimir Zhikhartsev, Susan Andrews, Jean-François Arnaud, and Karen Stomberg. Their mentorship allowed her to refine her techniques.

Nicole Mölders’ work explores the intersection of art and science, unveiling the symmetry between creativity and innovation. Her art reflects her deep connection to Alaska’s diverse landscapes and captures the region’s unique weather conditions. Her watercolor paintings have been shown at Well Street Gallery, Bear Gallery, Ursa Major, the Fairbanks Community Museum, and First Fridays. Her paintings Dancing the Argentine Tango and Exoplanets and Exo-Moon were accepted into the Fairbanks Arts Association’s Interdependence 2026 Juried Exhibition and the Gallerium Art Exhibitions’ Shapes and Colors 2026 4th Juried Annual Exhibition and Publication (rank #22 of 216 accepted), respectively.

Nicole Mölders lives in College, Alaska, with her supportive husband, Gerhard Kramm, and their two playful cats, BT and Isabella.

You can buy her art online.