Tag: Nicki Forde

Coming soon…
Moonlit Mare

Coming soon…

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Big changes are happening, and I’m excited to share that Drawing on my Heart will get a new name and an updated mission.

After my dad died this January, I took a hard look at my business goals for 2024, and, to be honest, they felt empty. They were the same goals as last year, and it made me feel like I wasn’t moving forward. I want my art to create magic for the viewer and to encourage us all to live wild and free despite outside pressures. We have this one precious life. We can be brave enough to chase our dreams. And if they don’t come true, at least we set a good example had fun trying (hopefully).

These thoughts led to a memory of a spicy little mare softly nickering in the moonlight. I found myself standing there, in the middle of the night under the light of the moon, checking to see if she was real…. if my dream of having a horse had really come true. I was 11 and the shock of the beauty and magic in that moment will never leave me.

Since shifting from graphic designer to fine artist, I’ve been focusing more and more on my first love, equine art. Learning about wild horses has given me an appreciation of the struggle to be a wild and non-conforming being in this world right now. Living with wild authenticity during these times feels a little dangerous and a lot rebellious. I observe freedoms being taken and spirits broken, and my friends, life is too short to be held back by someone else’s small mindedness.

Please allow me to introduce my new (so new it’s not even live yet) e-commerce shop called Moonlit Mare, an equine themed art and decor brand owned by and created for women who dare to chase their wildest dreams by following their kind and powerful hearts. Filled with pillows, tea towels, fine art and more that are magical enough for girls and gorgeous enough for women to enjoy, Moonlit Mare shines a divine light on sisterhood.

My newsletters will now be coming from Moonlit Mare instead of Drawing on my Heart, and I can’t wait to create something a little magical, a little spicy and hopefully a lot empowering. 


Thank you for supporting me. Stay wild.

Stars in the Eyes of Gemini
Horses · Inspired

Stars in the Eyes of Gemini

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Like most young children, I asked for a horse every birthday, Christmas, and special occasion in between. And. . .like most young children, my wish remained unfulfilled. Unless….that is….you count the number of Breyer horse figurines I received as gifts or even more exciting, the number of horses whose manes I braided with daisies on my walks home from the school bus stop in rural Okeechobee. I can only imagine the looks of surprise from my parents when I tried to ride my tiny plastic horse, Palomino Mare–even as a two year old, these Sears Wishbook beauties were not meant for galloping. Or even more surprising would be my unsuspecting neighbors coming home from work to feed their horses only to find the manes beautifully braided and filled with wildflowers. Finally, at the age of 13, my brave dad got me my first horse. Even though Darlin’ was one of the meanest little ponies to trot on the earth, I loved her dearly. Later I got Taco, who ended up being the kindest, most gentle gelding one could ever hope to have even though he definitely had that thoroughbred mixed with quarterhorse blood running through his veins. We developed a love, a trust and no doubt taught each other more than I recount even today.

Gemini was on display at the Leesburg Center for the Arts member exhibit in February, 2020. I was honored to receive the Merit Award for this painting.

So it is with this love of horses that I come to the canvas. With every stroke, every paint blend, every eye sparkle it almost feels like I can touch a live horse. I know the curve of a shoulder, the solid weight of a leg in my hands as I pick a hoof, and the warm steam of breath on my neck. When I am “running with the horses,” time passes quickly. When I am with the horses, it is not only they who run freely, but also my thoughts and emotions as well. I recall memories that bring smiles, tears, and all out laughter. . .but more than anything, I confirm my love for these beautiful animals and am grateful for their presence in my life and the gifts they once and continue to give to me. “Gemini” is a special painting. . .those two boys. . .filled with love, hope, and wisdom. . .their eyes tell the whole story, and I am blessed. —Nicki

  • Gemini on display in customer’s dining room.