NJ Connell Art
I am a contemporary painter whose work is rooted deeply in the dramatic landscapes of Cumbria. I am based in the Lake District. My practice explores the raw, wild, unpolished terrain that surrounds me. Taking in the elemental beauty of the region, with a particular fascination for rock formations and the ever-changing moods of Lakeland weather.
About
Inspiration
Working primarily in oils, my aim is to capture the physical weight and texture of stone – from ancient crags to scree-strewn slopes – while also evoking the transient atmospheres of the vast, expressive skies that stretch across the Cumbrian fells.
Process
My work seeks to convey a sense of place – the feeling of standing in the landscape, sensing its silence, drama, and energy. My palette often reflects the subdued and earthy tones of the landscape reflecting the quiet power of rock under cloud or the sudden flare of light through rain. I also enjoy the changing colours of the seasons and reflect this in my palette as nature dictates.
Explore my work
Through my practice, I invite viewers to connect with the landscape not just visually, but emotionally – to experience the timeless presence of Cumbria’s fells and the stories etched into their stone.
Exhibits
My work is exhibited in respected galleries, including the EVAN Gallery Penrith, The Veridian Gallery in Keswick and via various Art Group exhibitions within the county.
The creation of this website has been bought to you through the unexpected death of my Stepfather, Arthur Humphries who generously gifted me a small inheritance, which I am using as the foundation for creating this website as a way of celebrating his life, ensuring his values, and my creativity are carried forward in a meaningful way. The website not only serves as a digital space to honour his memory, but it also becomes a canvas for me to express my own artistic voice. By blending personal reflection with design, imagery, and storytelling, the project allows me to inherit more than history – it supports my love of creating art and transforms it into a living tribute that connects the past with my own creative journey.
Photo: Arthur with me visiting the Lake District to celebrate his 80th Birthday. Very much loved by everyone who knew him and deeply missed.
Nichola
I started my artistic journey by taking commissions for Pet Portraits which I would still consider undertaking. If you would like to have your beloved pet immortalised, please see my separate page for examples of previous commissions, under the heading of ‘Furry Face Portraits’.