Equine inspiration

Art and science come together in the work of Dr Elizabeth Sherratt, whose keen observation of equine anatomy and movement underpins her striking equestrian artwork. Interview by Kate Chapman.

Dr Elizabeth Sherratt is a contemporary artist who blends traditional drawing and painting techniques with a modern perspective.

Working from a spacious studio at her home near Market Rasen, in the heart of the Wolds, Elizabeth paints and draws horses in a range of different mediums, describing her career as an equine artist as a dream come true.

Elizabeth has a PhD in art and science, with a research focus on animal perception. Her work explores how horses experience the world – particularly through their vision – and how this understanding can be conveyed to humans to enhance their welfare.

As well as producing her own artwork, which includes commissions and exhibition pieces, Elizabeth is passionate about inspiring creativity in others.

This year she is delighted to be conducting a series of drawing and painting masterclasses at Oxcombe Pottery, a creative hub, in Horncastle.

“I am fascinated by horses of all breeds, I love their unique qualities and strive to capture each horse’s distinct presence. I use different mediums and techniques to express what I want to put down on canvas or paper, which is a direct response to the individuality of horses.

“I’m a contemporary artist and feel strongly that horses are the unsung champions of history, who deserve to be visible. They’re a timeless subject for me, I’m just really grateful that people respond to my work,” says Elizabeth, who cites pioneering art and science practitioner George Stubbs as a constant source of reference and inspiration for her own work.

Elizabeth began drawing horses as a child, when she visited her dad’s cousin, who was a racehorse trainer in north Yorkshire.

“It wasn’t good for me to ride because of my health, but I’d always been good at drawing. I remember my mum saying to me, why don’t you go and visit, and draw the horses? And that’s really what got me into it. I would only have been six or seven years old,” she recalls.

Elizabeth studied art and exhibition and museum design, which led her to work in various venues in London as well as in others around the country.

Visual experiences
After settling in Lincolnshire with her husband Nicholas, a builder, who converted a former church into their home, Elizabeth began her MA in Fine Art at the University of Lincoln in 2017.

She relished the opportunity of being able to focus on something she had been doing her whole life, while honing her art skills and developing her practice.

It was while she was drawing horses that she became interested in their visual experiences of the world and this led to her PhD studies, also at the University of Lincoln, which she completed in 2024.

She says the university’s academics and technical team were fantastic and supportive throughout her research. She also worked closely with Kelly Pullen, the yard manager at Riseholme College Equine Yard, who she describes as an amazing source of information.

Elizabeth now continues her work in this field as an independent researcher in collaboration with the university, while devoting the majority of her time to painting and drawing.

She works from a home studio and says she is fortunate to have such a big space available to her, as much of her work is large-scale.

Traditional techniques
Elizabeth uses a variety of different techniques and mediums and wherever possible works from life, describing her style as traditional with a contemporary edge rather than photo-realistic.

“I’m a stickler for using good quality materials and traditional techniques. A former tutor showed me how to do the Renaissance technique of silverpoint drawing – drawing with silver on a prepared surface – which is a technique I use when I want to express the sensitive and gentle nature of horses,” she explains.

“For larger-scale drawing and paintings, I mainly use Michael Harding oil paints, colour pigments, and charcoal. The quality of the line is important to my work, to express the strength and power of equines.
“I love drawing and painting all horses, but I particularly love heavy horses in Lincolnshire. I try as much as possible to see the horse in person, but if that’s not possible then I draw from photos or videos.

“When I’m on my travels, I always carry a sketchbook with me, it’s nice to be able to capture something spontaneously. It’s lovely to be able to step back and watch horses behaving naturally in a field, just socialising as they are a herd animal.”

The majority of Elizabeth’s work comes via word of mouth or exhibitions. She says it’s nice that some of her clients don’t have particular connections to horses but are still able to appreciate good artwork.

“Horses are timeless and have a magical presence,” she adds. “They’ve always been part of human development, but I do feel they’ve been written out of history. They’re the champions, they’ve really helped us progress and are a fantastic companion. It’s good they are still recognised as relevant.”

Oxcombe Pottery workshops
While she continues combining her passions, Elizabeth is also looking forward to sharing her skills with others this year.

“The majority of my work is commission-based, so it’s great to have such a fantastic opportunity to exhibit my work and to conduct a series of art masterclasses at Oxcombe Pottery.

“Being an artist can be quite isolating, so having the opportunity to work with a fantastic creative team in an inspiring hub has been amazing for me, to highlight my work to a broader audience.

“I have countless years of experience developing my artistic skills – art practice literally means you must practice and dedicate considerable time to find your own creative voice. That’s why I am thrilled to have the opportunity to carry out a range of art masterclasses at Oxcombe for beginners and more experienced artists.

“It’s great to develop art skills, it’s a lifelong interest once you start drawing and painting – it becomes a bit addictive! Being an artist is wonderful. I feel extremely fortunate.

“I always wanted to be an equine artist since I was little – so for me, it’s a dream come true.”

Find out more about Elizabeth’s work at drelizabethsherratt.co.uk

Elizabeth Sherratt’s series of masterclasses at Oxcombe Pottery, which are open for both beginner and more experienced artists, take place on the following dates: Mixed Media Masterclass – Sunday 29th March, Oil Painting 2 Day Masterclass – Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th April, Observational Drawing from Life (Outdoors) – Sunday 10th May. For more information visit www.oxcombepottery.co.uk

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