Contemporary Realism
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Displayed in a home by Sundance. Displayed collection of about 12 chicks and ducklings and paintings are 8”x8” showing baby animals in various poses.
Lucia Heffernan, let’s start from the very beginning, where did your inspiration originate? Were your parents visual artists as well? I’ve loved to doodle and draw as long as I can remember. I was born in Taiwan, where my mother was a teacher, as well as an watercolor artist. So, I grew up surrounded by art and a passion for creating beautiful things. I studied Fine Arts and Design in college, and my first job was as a medical illustrator. In the early 1990s, at the dawn of the Internet era, I became fascinated with online design and started a boutique web design company called Lead Dog Design with two partners. We worked extensively with Fortune 500 companies, bringing brands and corporate identities to life, and won many awards in both online and offline media. After we sold Lead Dog Design, I moved to Utah and, inspired by the beauty of the natural surroundings, I started painting in oil. Although painting has always been a hobby of mine, I think the professional experience I’ve had working in digital media inspires a unique perspective when I work on canvas. kids to know that we are all responsible for the world we inherit.
Our dog, Tiffany, is a rescue dog. I use her as a subject in paintings as an example of how a loving home can save a homeless pet.
Lucia, you’re very much drawn to animals, people and landscape but out of them all, which are you most inspired by and why? I am definitely most inspired by animals. Like people, animals each have a personality, but they don’t have the words to express themselves aloud. When I look into the light of an animal’s eyes, I can see and feel its spirit and its story. As an artist, I want to capture not only the beauty of an animal, but also its unique voice. Painting animals is also inspiring because it is a great way to use art as a vehicle for raising awareness and encouraging philanthropy. Our dog, Tiffany (see the 2 paintings below), is a rescue dog, and I’ve used her as a subject in my paintings as an example of how a loving home can save a homeless pet. In addition to donating animal paintings to causes such as breast cancer awareness, I’ve also created paintings for organizations, like the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, UT and No More Homeless Pets of Utah, to raise money for endangered animals and the environment. It’s so gratifying to be able to use my art to give back, and as a mother, I want my kids to know that we are all responsible for the world we inherit.
Your detail is extremely strong and sharp, how long does it take to create a piece of art? I understand each piece varies but do you have a system or just “go with the flow” and create? As a graphic/web designer, I developed a keen eye for composition and color, so my approach to painting is based on a solid technical foundation. My process for creating a piece begins with composing the ideal layout for the canvas. Whenever possible, I like to see the animal I am painting in its natural surroundings. Since my animal subjects won’t stand still for portraits, I take a lot of photographs to capture them in different poses and angles. Using the photographs I’ve taken, I use digital media tools to help me develop the composition of the painting. Once I’ve created the right digital image, I draw it onto the canvas. But, the real magic happens when I begin applying paint and brushstrokes. While my technique helps me to create strong, sharp detail, it’s my instinct that guides the transformation of the digital image into an oil painting that captures the essence of the subject at a snapshot in time. So, for me, the most time-consuming part of the process of creating a piece is in designing the composition. As soon as I put my brush to canvas, the animal just seems to quickly burst into life.
‘Green-Eyed Lynx’ 18” x 36”
How would you describe your work to others before showing pieces?
If I had to categorize my work, I’d call it “contemporary realism”. In every painting, I create a focal point where your eyes will naturally travel first. The abstract background is subtle and intended to enhance the subject, which is carefully composed of complementary shapes and lines that are designed to lead your eyes through the painting so that you linger on the story it is telling.
How do you maintain a balance of being a mother, wife and artist?
I’m lucky to have a strong support team that makes the transitions between my roles as mother, wife, and artist virtually seamless. I try to paint only during the week, while the kids are at school, so nights and weekends are reserved for quality time with my family. In addition to being my biggest fans, my husband and children are occasionally subjects in my paintings and my daughter, Zoe, is a budding artist with a prize-winning horse painting of her own.
Tiffany. Family rescue dog. In addition to donating animal paintings to causes such as breast cancer awareness, she creates paintings to raise money for endangered animals and the environment.
Sundance Art & Architecture Tour is a show you are currently preparing for. Can you please tell us a bit about it, where’s it located, what paintings you might show.
Since Sundance attracts so many visitors every year and Utah houses some of the nation’s best builders and homes, Utahhomes.com came up with the idea of showcasing art and architecture at the same time see here. They selected some amazing homes and invited several local artists to each furnish a home during the Sundance Film Festival. My work was displayed in a home by Sundance, as well as in a home in Park City. For this event, I showcased only animals.
I displayed a collection of about 12 chicks and ducklings. The paintings are only 8”x8” and show the baby animals in all different poses. Chicks and ducklings are among my favorite subjects. Last year, I created over 60 paintings and people love them. I use real chicks and ducklings from a local hatchery as models. I bring them home for the weekend to take photos, and it’s so hard to bring them back to the hatchery because they are so cute and my 6-year-olds always want to keep them.
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Lucia’s art work is always so beautiful! I have a few of her pieces and love them.
Lucia captures the heart and beauty of animals in her work. It is GORGEOUS, breathtaking and inspiring.
She captures the heart and beauty of animals in her work. It is GORGEOUS, breathtaking and inspiring.
Wow Lucia! Love your work! Love the interview! Love the chicks too!
Lucia is so talented! We love her work and she is as beautiful as she is talented! Lucia we love you!
Aunt Maureen & Uncle Cliff
I have a studio with Lucia and thrill at how fast her animals come “alive.” She has a special affinity for animals and is a gifted artist in our community.
I love Lucia’s art work. Her paintings are beautiful and realistic. Lucia painted one of my dogs, and . . . it is gorgeous amazing painting that everybody compliments. Thanks Lucia for helping bring awareness about endangered animals.
Lucia does incredible work, creates a lot of excitement for the art owner as well as provide a life long life like connection with the object whether in its wild habitat or the comfort of the home.
Lucia- your work is amazing! Thank you for sharing with us all!
I have had the good fortune to watch Lucia’s artwork evolve over the past 20 years. She has tremendous ability and has been able to produce outstanding results in both the world of fine arts and in the world of design — a rare accomplishment
I’ve seen Lucia paint many times and it never stops amazing me how quickly a subject comes to life when she paints.
What a great interview highlighting Lucia’s amazing talent as an artist! I am so fortunate to have a painting of hers in my home.
Lucia is one talented lady!!
Lucia’s paintings are incredible. You have to see them in person to really appreciate them.
Lucia is not only an amazing artist, but she is also an amazing person. I am always amazed at how she captures the eyes of the animals…you can see to their soul. Truly a gift.
Not only is Lucia a fabulous artist, but she is a really beautiful person as well. Her work reflects a love for living things. Nice job, Lucia!
Lucia’s work is amazing. She did a portrait of my daughter that absolutely captured her personality.
This is art that is so rich, you’ll be tempted to reach out and touch it. My 6 year old daughter instinctively did just that!
We have had the pleasure of seeing Lucia’s paintings at the Utah Museum of Art and her studio. They are so beautiful and so realistic. She always captures the moment! We are so lucky to have Lucia as our niece. She is so beautful both inside and out and to know her is to love her.
Lucia is incredibly talented. We are so happy to have the opportunity to work with her.
Thank you everyone for all the beautiful comments. Lucia has such a huge passionate heart for the world around her and brings such great emotion to life in her paintings. I am pleased you enjoyed the interview as much as I did, thank you! Let’s continue to support our art community!
Lucia… what can I say. She is one of my favorite artists. She goes straight to the soul of the animals that she paints. I am her studio neighbor, and am constantly amazed at her talent.
Lucia is so talented! This feature is well deserved! She painted my chihuahua, Noodles and the painting was fantastic. It sold instantly at one of her art shows. GO LUCIA!
-Deena
Thank you so much! I was honored to interview Lucia and share her talent globally with the rest of the art community!
Nice article … I am so lucky to share a studio with Lucia and watch her creative side. Her artwork is incredible. She is also a very kind and wonderful person.
Thank you for all of your kind words & support. I’m so fortunate to be surrounded by great friends & family!
Lucia is so connected with the animals she paints. You can see that in her work. I love the portrait of my Malti-poo Bella she captured for me!
Very nice article! Thank you for sharing!
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I feel fortunate to have met Lucia painting in a studio in Salt Lake. She inspired me with her talent and kindness. Thank you.