In this inspiring episode of AART the Podcast, host Chris Stafford sits down with Madeleine Bunbury, a renowned English equine artist celebrated for her mastery in life-size oil paintings of horses. Known for her classical training and her ability to capture the spirit, movement, and personality of her subjects, Madeleine shares her creative journey—from her early passion for horses and art to becoming one of the UK’s most distinguished contemporary equine painters. Listeners will discover how Madeleine’s love for the natural world and equestrian culture shapes her artistic process, the challenges and joys of painting horses from life, and what it takes to maintain a traditional approach to art in a modern world. She opens up about her experiences painting in stables across England and Europe, her dedication to preserving classical techniques, and how her art bridges the gap between heritage and modern equine culture. Whether you’re an art lover, painter, equestrian enthusiast, or simply someone fascinated by creative lives, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of art, nature, and passion. Madeleine’s story is a testament to the power of devotion—to craft, subject, and tradition. Tune in to hear how she built her career, the insights behind her technique, and her vision for the future of equestrian art in the contemporary landscape.
🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and YouTube.
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BIO
Madeleine Bunbury is an English equine artist who paints life portraits of horses and ponies. At just 28, Madeleine is aspiring to follow in the footsteps of her idol, George Stubbs, aligning with other great equine painters, such as Agasse, Munnings and Herring. Madeleine was born on the island of Mustique in 1995, one of four children; her mother Lotty is a fashion designer and her father Michael, a doctor. She grew up in an an island playground and from an early age sketching and painting was instinctive, and more accessible than riding ponies which she dreamed of. It was when she began her education at boarding school in England that she was able to indulge herself and become a horse-mad teenager taking every opportunity to ride. Her love of horses became the catalyst to her initial plan to become a veterinarian but she had to abort that idea once she failed the required science exams. It was then that she decided on a career in art with the confidence that this was something for which she had a talent. With the guidance of an artistic uncle and aunt, Madeleine spent three years studying traditional portraiture at the Charles Cecil Studios in Florence, Italy. It was to prove the launching pad for her to embark on a career as an equine artist and she was soon making a livelihood painting horse portraits. Madeleine can be found either in her studio in Fosbury, Wiltshire or traveling to horses across the UK and around the world. Her latest project is a series of 16 breeds of British native horses and ponies which, as well as producing very large paintings will also be a coffee book, and perhaps a documentary.
Playlist:
Eminem- Lose Yourself (Gets me out of bed and revved for the day)
Claude Debussy - Claire de lune (The first piece I learnt to play on the piano)
Chopin - Nocturne no.20 in C-Sharp Minor (so melancholy and beautiful to paint to)
Destiny's Child - Independent Woman (after various boyfriends let me down this is how I feel)
Favorite artists:
Isabella Watling
Daisy Sims
Hilditch Henrietta
Abel-Smith
