Name: Nel Whatmore
Style: Pastels
Short Bio: Nel Whatmore has been a professional artist for over 35 years. Her studio is in The Twisting at Sunny Bank Mills, a former woollen mill transformed into a creative hub in west Leeds. Nel moved in nearly five years ago when the old Finishing Room became artists' studios. Her work focuses on two main themes: water and skies, and florals from her garden, with ventures into abstracts inspired by these.
A keen gardener, Nel finds solace in nature, especially during challenging times for her family. Her passion for flowers and painting has led her to participate in the #artistsupportpledge, which supports artists by selling small works and reinvesting in others' art.
In pursuit of inspiration, she has recently traveled to Scotland, Devon, Suffolk, and the Yorkshire coast, capturing stunning skies and seas. Nel regularly exhibits at the Chelsea Flower Show, where her stand has won multiple awards. She has a loyal following worldwide and private collectors who have become friends.
Nel began her career in 1986 with help from The Prince’s Trust. She lives in North Yorkshire with her husband, writer Mark Morris, and they have two grown-up children. She has also published six books of poetry and designed fabric collections, with her work licensed globally.