Nicole Windley

I was born in Middlesex, UK in 1977. I now live in the beautiful Mid Devon countryside with my horses.

I have three passions in life: Horses, art and music and they have shaped me. I've spent my whole life with and around horses, on a horse since before I could crawl!

"In their innocence and wisdom, in their connection to the earth and its most ancient rhythms, animals show us a way back to a home they have never left." - Susan Chernak McElroy, "Animals As Teachers And Healers"

I've been shaped by so many different people and different experiences in my life. I take everything on board, it's all relevant and it makes me who I am. Then I express who I am through my paintings.

My only training in art was at school, studying 'A' level fine art: My art teacher, Paul Woodford, was a great inspiration to me. One of the many things he taught me was in order to break the rules you must first learn them.

Touched by the beauty and mystery of the horse, I capture their spirit, their essence, in my art. As I strive to capture the mystery of whatever my subject is, bringing it alive.

Influenced by, amongst others, the artist Franz Marc. Inspired by photographers Tony Stromberg and Bob Langrish. Nicole's work probably sits somewhere in between Expressionism and Impressionism. Working in oil pastel, oil paint and acrylic, using literally a handful of colours. Crude, yet hauntingly effective.