Our Artists
At Stoney Ground, we are proud to work with a remarkable group of contemporary artists whose passion for the natural world, animals, and the joy of painting shines through in every piece. Each artist brings a unique voice, technique, and story — and we are delighted to share them with you here.
Nicola Rowles
Living on the edge of Bodmin Moor in North Cornwall, Nicola draws inspiration from the stunning natural surroundings — rolling fields, Dartmoor views, and daily visits from wildlife including pheasants, highland cows, and sheep. Her studio is located in a historic Duchy Farmhouse once believed to have hosted King Charles, making it the perfect setting for her vibrant and dynamic animal paintings. Using a rich mix of inks, acrylics, sprays, and watercolours, Nicola creates works that capture movement and energy, allowing the paint to produce natural marks and patterns that bring her subjects to life. Formerly an international textile designer, she transitioned from designing by hand to pursuing a passion for painting after the rise of digital tools. Today, she combines her love for design with her expertise in various painting techniques to create unique and expressive animal art that celebrates the wild beauty of Cornwall.
Simon Clarke
As a self-taught artist, Simon Clarke's journey began with a passion for experimenting with various painting methods and mediums — from chalk portraits to abstract and surreal landscapes in oil. Over time, acrylic paint became his medium of choice, shaping a distinctive and instantly recognisable style. In recent years, Simon introduced humour and playful characters to his work, leading to a creative direction centred on "paintings that make you smile." Hidden elements within each artwork add intrigue and personality, keeping viewers engaged long after first glance. Lively, whimsical, and full of joy, Simon's paintings are a delightful addition to any home.
Quinn Russell
Quinn Russell lives and works in Holywood, a small town close to Belfast in Northern Ireland. Self-taught, she works in strong colours with thick, textured acrylic paint, and her work constantly searches for and celebrates light — whether found in the metallic golds, silvers, and bronzes of her palette or in the gilding work featured in many of her pieces. As the sun moves through the sky, different parts of a painting are highlighted and glow, giving each piece a fluid, ever-changing quality. Quinn's love of animals has drawn her to animal portraits, and in particular hares — a creature she sees as a symbol of creativity, independence, and the courage to reach for one's dreams. When she is not painting, Quinn is the teaching principal of a school in inner-city Belfast, and was awarded an MBE by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 2010 for services to education in Northern Ireland. Her unique and quirky paintings are owned by collectors around the world, and the emotional response to her work is widely agreed to be happiness.
Ashley Saunders
Originally from St. Albans, Ashley is now based in the peaceful Suffolk countryside, where the rhythms of rural life provide daily inspiration. A self-taught artist with a deep love for animals and nature, Ashley creates expressive, light-hearted paintings that celebrate the quirky charm and character of farmyard and country animals. Her journey into art has always been driven by a love of the outdoors and the creatures that inhabit it — a passion further deepened by time spent working at an animal sanctuary in the Lake District, a place of healing and harmony that left a lasting impression. Caring for animals in that environment gave Ashley a profound understanding of their unique personalities and soulful presence, something that now shines through in every painting she creates.
Jeanette Vertentes
Jeanette Vertentes is a contemporary painter based in North Stonington, Connecticut, known for her vibrant, colourful, and large-scale artworks that command attention and fill a room with energy. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Art with a concentration in painting from Rhode Island College, bringing both formal training and an instinctive boldness to her practice. Jeanette's work is a celebration of colour at its most expressive, making her pieces a striking choice for anyone looking to make a confident statement in their home.