All posts tagged: inspiration

Answering your Instagram questions

Published by

I get a lot of questions on my Instagram about my practice. So I thought it may be helpful to both my collectors, aspiring collectors and other artists to share a list of those FAQs. Here we go. Where did you learn to paint? This is one with a bit of a back story, so indulge me for a second! I am self taught. I actually studied Psychology at the University of Exeter because at the age of 18 I didn’t think I could make any money as an artist and had absolutely no idea what career I wanted to follow. I mean how many of us actually do at the age of 18? So anyway off I went to uni to study something I found interesting at A Level but let’s be honest, I had no intention of becoming a Psychologist. Surprise, surprise when I graduated and came back from travelling I was lost. In the first few months/years of trying to find a job I was suited for I floated from office job …

Don’t stop chasing your dreams

Published by

I want my art to convey a feeling, an emotion, because trust me they are filled with it. Ever get that feeling when you’re so lost in the process, that your mind drifts away and your heart starts racing? I don’t really know how to describe what painting does, but it’s the best form of escapism. I want that feeling to transcend to those who look at my work. It’s meant to make you feel like you’re drifting, calm, and peaceful. It’s something to look at in your home when you want quiet reflection, inspiration or a zing of energy. I’ve spent years pouring my heart into my art (rhyme totally unintended), every brush stroke is a step on a journey, a leap of faith. It’s a dedicated and unfailing desire to chase a dream that landed on my shoulders when I was 5 years old, staring up at a painting on a classroom wall. It’s a labour of love, a struggle against fear and doubt, and most of all it’s a passion spurred on …

What is it like being an artist?

Published by

Hello to the new faces around here, and thank you for supporting my work! I’m Emily, and I’m an artist from south Wales  I thought I’d share a few thoughts on being an artist from my own experiences. Pursuing the ‘path’ of being an artist, is a bit of a funny one. Over the years it has brought me joy, fear, pride, shame, certainty and more uncertainty than I thought possible all rolled into one weird little cocktail of determination. We are often discouraged to pursue careers in the arts, because of course nothing is certain, and financial stability does not go hand in hand with being an artist. I cannot guarantee that I will sell X amount in any given month. Many people find this whole aspect of being an artist enough to run for the hills. Sure, it can be stressful, and I will admit that it is a bit of a roller coaster. Some months, your sales are up. Some months they are down. It is the nature of being an artist (and …

Divergent | Art is a process of discovery

Published by

I called this piece Divergent, because the meaning of the word resonated with how I felt when I created it: ‘tending to be different or develop in different directions.‘ This piece was different for me, because as a lover of bright and bold colours, I literally had to restrain my hand from reaching for MORE COLOURS DAMMIT I LOVE THEM ALL!! My initial thoughts were that this was more of an exercise in self control than the creation of something I’d be proud of. I’m pleased to say I surprised myself. I’m not usually one for a subtle colour pallet, instead opting for colours that are bright and ‘happy’. However this piece has taught me that sometimes less is more! I’m actually very pleased with the tranquillity and calm of this painting, which in turn makes me feel happy to look at, and I hope you feel the same. I learn something new with every painting. Art really is a never ending journey of self discovery, and I want to keep on skipping, running, ambling, …

Pastel sky painting by Emily Louise Heard

Life without Social Media

Published by

Hello May! Some of you may have read my recent posts on Social Media, letting you know I was taking a short break from the platforms to focus on creativity. I’m thinking more and more that social media, whilst a fantastic platform for creatives, can become a little overwhelming and a bit of a distraction from what really matters. So I’m not sure how long I’ll be away, but I know I definitely need some time off.  If you have had similar nagging doubts about Social Media, and it’s impact on your time and energy, I’d love to know. (If you are reading this from Facebook – I’ve got an automatic sharing link set up, I’m not back just yet!) The short time I’ve been away so far has refreshed my mind and given me a whole new sense of focus. Here’s what I’ve been up to … So many new paintings! I’ve had a flurry of creative energy, whilst I have been cleansing my mind from technology. I’ve added all my new pieces to my …

Paintings to lift your mood |Emily Louise Heard

Published by

It may be raining here in the UK, but I have some sunlight to bring the summer to your home in the form of original art! I’ve just updated my online shop with some new colourful art, straight off the easel. Head to my store to have a browse. Enjoy! Here’s a snippet of some of the bright works in my collection available for purchase. Did you know that I’m also now on YouTube? Head to my channel to watch insights into my studio, process and being an artist. Much love, Emily x

What happens when you buy art?

Published by

                  ”When you buy something from an artist you are buying more than an object. You’re buying hundreds of hours of errors and experimentation. You’re buying years of frustration and moments of pure joy. You’re not buying just one thing, you are buying a piece of a heart, a piece of a soul… a small piece of someone else’s life.” -Rebekah Joy Plett

Escape from reality

Published by

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.” – Helen Keller. That’s kind of what painting is about. Pouring your heart and soul into a canvas, bare and exposed for everyone to see. My paintings are not about realism, detail or perfection. They are about colour, emotions and expression. Every brush stroke is a cathartic healing process, an escape from reality and into peace ☮️