Featured Artist Heather MacNeil

Heather MacNeil presents a vibrant abstract portfolio of paintings created spontaneously and meant to spread joy. See more of her artwork on her website.

 

 

Painting brings me joy and feeds my soul. While I have explored working in a variety of mediums and styles, I’ve been focusing on abstract work for the past 15 years. The freedom, joy, and enthusiasm I experience speaks to me. I tune in and let go as the painting unfolds, allowing that inner voice to be heard and expressed.

 

 

When I begin a piece, I work in a spontaneous way. That energy of freedom and possibility is often expressed through vibrant colors, bold brushwork, and gestural marks. I work with acrylics and have been experimenting with some mixed media. There’s a sense of play and curiosity. Along with the vitality of my artwork, there’s often a feeling of peacefulness. I am drawn to the contrast of active areas, and calm, open areas that provide space for reflection.

 

 

As I continue to create a dialogue with the painting, I become more discerning as I work through the layers, letting go of areas that aren’t working, and allowing something new to open up. I may put it aside for awhile, work on several other pieces, come back to it, observe, and fine tune as it begins to come together as a whole.

 

 

My travels and living in Europe have provided rich artistic environments that have influenced my art over the years. Currently, I live near the ocean on the west coast of Canada in Victoria, British Columbia and am very much inspired by nature.

 

 

On my daily walks along the water and through the neighborhood and parks, I find joy in the changing light, the movement of the waves, cloud formations, contrasting light and shadow, and the multitude of colors as the seasons change. Although my paintings are mostly abstract, that energy of joy and inspiration comes though my artwork and hopefully radiates outwards for others to enjoy as well.

 

 

As someone who loves music and dancing, I often incorporate movement and rhythm in my work. Whether it is dancing, walking, exercising, Qigong, or Tai Chi, I find that movement and creativity balance the energy, and keep it flowing.

 

 

With a science degree and a background in psychology, I have always been drawn to the healing power of art both for myself as the artist and for the viewer as well.

 

 

Throughout my life, painting and creating has been there for me during challenging times, and in happy times. It helps me to be in the present moment. Day by day, moment by moment, the journey continues.

 

Heather MacNeil invites you to follow on Instagram.

 

 

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