All work : Nel Whatmore [Biography]

Nel Whatmore

Nel Whatmore is married to the writer Mark Morris and they have two children David and Polly. Mark writes in the mornings and Nel Whatmore paints in the afternoons, the rest of their time is divided looking after their children.

Nel Whatmore's studio is a 200-year-old granary only five minutes from their house. Music and colour form an integral part of Nel's work. The former she finds focuses her mind; the latter is her main inspiration.

Although Nel uses pastels predominately she has recently introduced watercolour into her work: "I feel as though my work has developed greater fluidity and vibrancy through the use of watercolour."

"Each painting is a puzzle. There are many ways you can try to fit the pieces together but only one way they really look right. Sometimes you find what you are looking for, other times it remains elusive."

"After studying for a Foundation Course in Art & Design at Wolverhampton University, I then went on to study for a Bachelor of Arts degree at Trinity and All Saints College, Leeds, from 1982-1985. Shortly afterwards, in 1986, I was awarded a grant from the ‘Princes Youth Business Trust’ and was one of the few people chosen to represent the ‘Princes Youth Business Trust’ at the Chelsea Flower Show in 1990.

Although I have been a professional artist since 1986, I was probably first aware of having talent in this area when I was just 10 years old. Whilst my family is not obviously artistic, there are a few notable exceptions. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs and those that are very skilled with their hands