‘When you leave a beautiful place, you carry it with you wherever you go’ -Alexandra Stoddard. I hope the beautiful places I carry with me are reflected in my paintings. They always fill my head whenever I’m painting from the ❤️ This piece is called Butterscotch, and is an original oil on canvas. DM me if you are interested in the original. Otherwise I have a range of stunning canvas print sizes available via iCanvas.
Art is a journey. A process, an experiment, an expectation of what the next piece will be. It’s full of emotion, self criticism, doubt, hope, joy, apathy, frustration, bliss, shame and pride. Next time you look at a piece of work by an artist, know that you are not just viewing brush marks on a canvas, but fear of failure, judgement, bravery, a labour of love and an undying drive to never stop fighting to do what you love. http://www.emilylouiseheard.com
It’s not until very recently I’ve found the art I want to keep creating. My path as a self taught artist hasn’t been easy, and at times I’ve berated myself, criticized everything about my work and almost given up. I didn’t have a defined voice or ‘brand’ even though I was desperately trying to find it. The moment I stopped frantically asking myself ‘what defines me as an artist’ and just painted straight from my heart I found the answer. If you’re struggling with the same thing, stop judging yourself! Let it happen naturally ❤🌈 It’s a journey.
Have you ever wondered why we paint? I have. What is it about painting that makes the chit chatter of our minds quieten down to nothing but calm? It’s almost like a meditative state, pushing colours about the canvas, watching your inner world grow and change from white nothingness to vibrant somethingness. It’s therapeutic, addictive and challenging all at the same time. An escape from your own thoughts nagging and the passing of time. For more of my work find me on Instagram @emilylouise_art or visit http://www.emilylouiseheard.com
Sometimes when you need inspiration or a muse, it can be tricky to find. But recently I stumbled across a beautiful online magazine that is literally BURSTING with inspiration – Whim magazine. I’ve also been incredibly lucky to have an interview about my art and process published to this wonderful site. If you are looking for a whimsical and dreamy inspiration hit, then look no further! Oh and if you want to learn about my everyday shenanigans as an artist have a read of my interview with them 😀 http://www.whimmagazine.com/2016/07/interview-artist-emily-heard/
I’ve recently decided to start tackling portrait work, as my love of art started with trying to draw people. The only problem I find with learning how to paint portraits is that you can leave yourself a little vulnerable as an artist. People are more likely to spot flaws and when the proportions aren’t quite right. I know I make all of these mistakes when my paintings first start out, but I like to share these early stages anyway. It’s part of my learning process and helps me try harder. Sometimes you can get so close to your work that you fail to spot the mistakes. Until you take a photo and suddenly it’s so obvious! #awkward My point is, art is a journey, a process and a challenge. It’s all one great big work in progress – whether you’ve signed and varnished it or not. ☺ It’s part of why I love it.
A vibrant and bustling Parallax Art Fair at Chelsea Town Hall, London this weekend. Packed with an array of interesting work and artists, it’s definitely worth a visit! I’ve hung my original painting ‘Enchanted Tree’ amongst the collection of work and I am very pleased to be a part of this exciting event. Head to the Parallax Art Fair website if you are in London tomorrow (14th Feb) and are looking for a fab afternoon out ☺
It never ceases to amaze me how works of art can have such an uplifting impact on our emotional wellbeing and connect with us on all levels. I’m in the process of adding lots of new originals to my online store. Head to my website to find a bright and colourful original painting to help combat those January blues.
I can’t believe it’s nearly Christmas! Just to say thank you SO much for all your support and encouragement throughout 2015. It’s been a year of colour, exhibitions, and excitement with lots of paintings and prints headed to loving new homes. I’m packing up my paints again for the festive season, and exchanging them no doubt for mulled wine and mince pies… I have my first exhibition lined up for February in Coventry and a group show in London. I can’t wait to see what magical excitement the rest of 2016 brings. Merry Christmas all 🎄☺ Emily x
Emily Louise Heard 