Behind the scenes
Working from both the Lake District and Manchester Nel has the best of both worlds.
In the Lake District Nel’s studio is surrounded by the landscapes that inspire her work. Flooded with natural light and filled with organic textures, her workspace is a calm, contemplative environment designed to capture the essence of nature in each piece. In Manchester she has the vibrant city on her doorstep with art and culture galore.
the process
Mediums
Nel works primarily with natural earth and mineral pigments, creating pieces that echo the tones and textures of the natural world. Hand-mixing each pigment, she creates custom oils that bring a rich, organic feel to her work. Texture plays a central role, with layers crafted to reflect light in a way that feels alive—capturing the vitality of the landscapes that inspire her.
Inspiration
Inspired by the rugged landscapes of her childhood in the Lake District, Nel’s work captures the quiet power and resilience of nature. Drawing from the intricate details of the natural world, as well as the textures of interior design, the beauty of architecture, and the depth of literature and folklore, her pieces blend organic forms with refined composition. Nel’s art invites a closer look, encouraging the rediscovery of beauty in the everyday while seamlessly enhancing and harmonising with thoughtfully designed spaces.
Process
Nel’s creative process is rooted in the details of nature—leaves, feathers and other found objects that inspire both the form and concept of her work. Working with a neutral palette, she simplifies these natural elements, capturing their essence and revealing beauty in the overlooked. Every aspect of each piece is carefully considered and crafted by hand, from stretching the canvases to mixing paints from natural pigments, each stage of the creative process is handled by Nel.
CoMmissions
Nel’s commission process is a creative collaboration tailored to fit into each unique project. She begins with an in-depth consultation with designers, architects or clients to understand the vision and needs of the space—focusing on details like scale, palette and atmosphere to ensure every element aligns. After refining the concept, Nel presents a detailed proposal, complete with sketches or colour samples, for review.