holly Lishman

Hello, and welcome!

I’m Holly, a Wildlife and Equestrian artist based in Cheltenham, UK.

I have always loved art, and painting, and any kind of creative hobby or craft really! When I was little, I’d spend hours making a total mess of my room or my mum’s nice, clean conservatory with my latest art project - whether that be painting, drawing, collaging, knitting - or just “restyling” all my dolls’ hairstyles with scissors and coloured pens..!

And my love of art carried on throughout my childhood, and teenage years, studying art for GCSE and A-Level.

When I was 22, I had a spinal cord injury and became paralysed from the neck down. Initially, I had completely lost the use of my hands. Gradually I regained some movement in them, but it took a long time before I could even hold a cup or fork. Relearning to grip things was a pretty big part of my recovery in hospital, and I found a box of art supplies which suddenly spurred me on through my recovery and led me back into art. I felt like it sparked a new determination and sense of purpose and focus, and over time, I fell in love with it all over again.

Now, painting is pretty much a daily part of my life. It’s an escape, it’s a form of therapy, and it is something thing I love to do.

I’ve always felt deeply connected to animals and nature, and that’s what I’m most drawn to painting. I work mainly in oils and acrylics, creating realistic pieces that try to capture the soul of wildlife and the magic of the natural world.

Music and beautiful scenery inspire me the most, I want to capture those feelings when you’re in front of a breathtaking view, or looking up to a clear sky full of stars, or watching the sun dip below the horizon. I want to paint those moments that make you stop, breathe, and remember how big the world is, and how lucky we are to be in it.

My other hobbies include swimming, rock climbing, travel and reading. I drink copious amounts of Yorkshire tea and I have two wonderful dogs who keep me company in the studio.

Thank you for being here and supporting my artwork, it means the world to me to be able to pursue my passion and share my work with you.

Holly x