Nicky Litchfield, a celebrated British artist, enchants with her pastel portraits of farmyard friends and wild wanderers, infusing each creature with a spark of personality that dances across the page like sunlight on dew-kissed fur. Uniquely, her lifelong muse emerged from clandestine sketches made in the haylofts of her grandparents' Wiltshire farm, where as a young girl she captured the sly glances of foxes and the drowsy wisdom of cows, forging a style that marries tender observation with vibrant, contemporary flair born from those hidden rural reveries.
Mastering the soft glow of pastels, Litchfield layers hues with a lively hand, letting the essence of her subjects—be it a mischievous terrier or a poised hare—emerge against backdrops of earthy tones and Farrow & Ball-inspired elegance. Her works brim with affectionate humour, turning everyday animals into stars of whimsical narratives that celebrate the quiet charisma of the British countryside.
From her early farmyard vignettes to her evolving gallery of beloved pets and untamed spirits, Litchfield's art radiates an infectious warmth. Her creations, full of expressive lines and joyful colour, invite admirers to rediscover the magic in the familiar, proving that true character needs no words, only a knowing gaze.
Biography
Born: Wiltshire, UK
Nicky Litchfield was born in Wiltshire, where the rolling fields and farm rhythms of her youth planted the seeds of her artistic passion. Weekends and summers spent at her grandparents' farm in Marlborough became her secret classroom, filled with the scamper of wildlife and the gentle heft of livestock that she immortalised in furtive drawings.
As her talent blossomed, Litchfield embraced pastels for their forgiving blend of subtlety and boldness, allowing her to translate the farm's raw vitality into polished yet playful compositions. Relocating to the Ribble Valley in Lancashire, she established a studio in the idyllic village of Hurst Green, often venturing out with her faithful companion, Max the dog, to gather fresh inspirations from the surrounding moors and meadows.
Today, Litchfield's days revolve around commissions and canvases that honour her subjects' quirks, her work a bridge between nostalgic roots and modern delight. Her path from rural dreamer to sought-after creator embodies a devotion to authenticity, where every stroke whispers of gratitude for the creatures that shaped her vision.
Achievements
Nicky Litchfield’s notable contributions to the art world include:
Winning the Society for All Artists Artist of the Year in the Animal Category in 2008, a triumph that propelled her charming animal portraits to widespread acclaim
Regular selections for the Annual Pastel Society Exhibition, showcasing her mastery of the medium in celebrated forums
Features in esteemed publications like the Pastel Journal, highlighting her innovative approaches to wildlife and livestock depiction
Amassing a loyal following through original works and prints that capture the hearts of animal lovers across the UK