About Nao
Nao McDowell is a contemporary British landscape artist based in London, whose work is deeply rooted in a lifelong connection to the British countryside and coastline. Raised between the Yorkshire Dales and Moors, she developed an early appreciation for the natural world through long hikes and family holidays, often accompanied by the family’s Black Labrador. Summers spent in and around Bantham and Salcombe in South Devon left a lasting impression, and these coastal landscapes continue to inspire her today.
Nao studied Ecology at the University of East Anglia, where she deepened her understanding of natural systems and environments. She later pursued postgraduate art studies at Oxford Brookes University, combining scientific insight with creative expression. This dual background informs her artistic practice, which is driven by close observation and an emotional response to the natural world.
Working from her London studio, Nao draws on plein air sketches and photographs captured during her time along the coast, especially the South West Coastal Path. Her large-scale oil paintings are characterised by bold, vibrant colours, sculptural layers of paint, and dynamic, often unconventional perspectives. Each piece reflects a deep engagement with place, memory, and atmosphere.
When not painting, Nao enjoys spending time with her family outdoors—wild swimming, sailing, beachcombing, or simply sharing a cup of tea in her studio. Her work invites viewers to reconnect with the landscapes that have shaped her life and continue to fuel her creative practice.
Nao is represented by Clarendon Fine Art, which specialises in contemporary and modern art. She is also launching new collections with the highly renowned Mayne Gallery in South Devon and marine specialists Kendalls Fine Art in Cowes, Isle of Wight.
Her work is available through the galleries listed above, or via direct enquiry. Gallery visits are highly encouraged.
Follow her process on Instagram
