Hello and welcome to my art page! I am a self-taught artist from Los Angeles, CA, and I’ve been joyfully creating art inspired by animals and nature all my life. My appreciation and enthusiasm for animals began with the love for my own pets at home. I then ventured out into the world, having the great fortune of seeing and experiencing the magic of wild animals firsthand in their natural habitats. From surfing alongside dolphins here in Southern California to observing the most exotic wildlife on a surreal African safari in Kenya, to feeding baby wallabies and koalas at nature preserves, as well as witnessing wild and ethereal kangaroos emerging from the misty forests in Australia, I’ve fallen in love with the natural world and all its wild inhabitants. Animals fill my heart with joy and awe, inspiring me to try and capture my love and admiration for the world’s most amazing creatures through the magical medium of painting.
Needless to say, I love painting! Painting is my portal into feeling in flow with the universe. The mundane world simply fades away while I’m painting, allowing me to feel deeply connected with my chosen subjects while also enjoying the sheer fun and excitement of creating.
I began my journey with art using acrylic paints, a fast and fun medium. I then included oil and watercolor paints in my toolbox. Oil paints allow more time to work, enabling me to get my subjects just right while building up rich and gorgeous colors. Watercolors also provide beautiful color, and with their transparent nature and myriad of effects, I’m able to bring a dreamy feel to my paintings while enjoying endless experimentation. I never quite know what the end result will be when working with watercolors, and that, of course, is half the fun!
Painting is my heart’s true passion, and no matter the chosen medium, painting animals and nature gives me the greatest joy in the world, brightening up my life every day. My aim in sharing my artwork with others is to inspire and transfer some of that same love and appreciation for the natural world, and at the very least, brighten up someone else’s day too.
Thank you for visiting my art page today and for taking the time to learn a little bit about me. I am honored to share a treasured part of myself with you. Best wishes!
-Mercedes Heinila
*Please sign up below for upcoming newsletters and follow me on social media for all the latest updates, Thank You!! :)
