I have always loved art and any kind of creative project. When I was little, I’d spend hours making a total mess of my room or my mum’s conservatory with my latest idea. Whether it was painting, drawing, knitting, or just “restyling” my dolls’ hair with scissors and pens, I was always creating.

That love for art stayed with me throughout my childhood and into my teens, eventually leading me to study art for my GCSEs and A-Levels.

When I was 22, I suffered a spinal cord injury that left me paralysed from the neck down. Initially, I lost the use of my hands completely. As I gradually regained some movement, I had to relearn the simplest tasks, like holding a cup or a fork. During my recovery in hospital, I found a box of art supplies that changed everything. It spurred me on, sparking a new determination and a sense of purpose. Over time, I fell in love with painting all over again.

Today, painting is a daily part of my life. It is my escape, my therapy, and my greatest passion.

I have always felt a deep connection to the natural world. While we are caught in the hum of our own lives, busy with work, family, and social media, wild animals are living theirs alongside us, largely unseen. Yet they are always there, and now more than ever, they need us to notice them.

The more I painted wildlife, the more I read about the challenges they face. I saw the numbers: species vanishing and habitats shrinking until thousands became hundreds. I realised I could do something about it. Not in a grand, sweeping gesture, but in the way I know best. I paint these animals so that people will stop and look. Truly look. If a portrait can spark a question, it can spark a connection. For me, art is the lens and conservation is the reason.

I am now based in Cheltenham, painting in oils from my studio with my two dogs who consider themselves essential to the creative process. In November 2026, I will be holding my first solo exhibition, showcasing the "Africa Top 10" series alongside my other wildlife pieces. A percentage of all original sales goes directly to conservation charities.

If you would like to follow my work as it happens, Instagram is the best place to find me: @hollylishmanart