Meet Catherin McMillan - equestrian artist

Catherin is the first artist to feature in the new Barnmice Shop Gallery. You can see a selection of her wonderful work here.

I asked Catherin 5 questions so we could all get to know her.

How do you get your inspiration for your art?

Im really lucky to live on a small property and have lots of animals around me, they inspire me and always bring a smile to my face. From Banjo my old red cattle dog (who is elderly and very eccentric) he's my companion in the studio, my horses that wonder around the studio and usually put there noses in the window to see if there is any treats. With all these guys around how could I not be inspired.

What’s your favourite animal to draw?

Mmm now thats a hard one. Each and every animal has its own unique beauty but I must admit my two favourite animals to draw are horses and sight hounds.

Do you have a horse?

Yes I've had horses of my own since I was 15. I have Mac who's an Australian Stock horse gelding he's 21, we're just starting to get back into riding after an injury to my hand. And Sharee who isnt really my pony but my 8 year old daughters, Sharee is a palomino paloose few spot and shes 31 though she thinks she's 5 at times. We have a big fig tree just outside my studio and most mornings you can find them there waiting for there rugs to come off.

If you weren’t an artist, what would you like to do for a job instead?

I'd love to be an archeologist, I love time team I find that so fascinating or perhaps be a host on a nature show like David Attenborough or big cat diaries.

Tell me one thing about you that surprises people

I guess that would be that I have so much energy as I'm always on the run, must be genetic :)

Thanks Catherin!

You can find Catherin in the community here & don't forget to check out the art here