Meet Stella Lightheart | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stella Lightheart and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stella, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued an artistic career because I believe in the power of expression. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of picking up a paintbrush and letting your creativity flow onto the canvas. For me, art is a form of freedom. It’s a way to break free from the constraints of everyday life and create something beautiful. Whether I’m painting a scenic landscape or abstract shapes and colors, I’m always empowered by the feeling of putting my thoughts and emotions into my work. Pursuing an artistic career isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it for the joy that comes with being able to express myself through my art.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Painting is my escape hatch to magic. I whisk myself away to different worlds or conjure up my own with just a few brush strokes. It’s my chosen path to self-expression and connecting with others. The cherry on top? Painting makes me so darn happy!

When I first started, I found it hard to express myself without feeling judged or embarrassed. But now that I’ve practised and experimented with different styles, my ideas have come out faster than ever! Nothing quite like the thrill of creating something from scratch and seeing how others react.

I’m in the process of rediscovering what it means to paint and connect with others. I’m exploring how to combine colours, textures, stories, and emotions through art. It’s a never-ending journey, and each new piece unveils something unique about me—and that’s why painting is such an invaluable experience. Lately, I have been incorporating digital elements into my work – 3D symbols and, I admit it, a touch of AI – used with a dollop of caution – to render background details. It’s a great way to break out of the two-dimensional mould and expand possibilities.

As a passionate artist, I want the world to know that my work is inspired by my experiences and the whimsy I see in everyday life. Through my paintings, I hope to share this sense of wonder with others and spread a message of joy. It’s important to me that my brand and story reflect the idea that life is meant to be enjoyed and that we should always strive to find new ways to express ourselves.

Something I focus on is finding a good place for my work. I think of it as ‘finding homes’ for my paintings rather than selling them. Every piece is an extension of myself; finding an appreciative home is essential. If an original piece tugs on someone’s sleeve, I advise them to consider the transaction an adoption fee rather than a sale price. Rather than issuing a ‘Certificate of Authenticity’ I issue an ‘Adoption Certificate’. This bit of branding helps me maintain my message of whimsy and joy and resonates with people.

I take a lot of pride in my work and ensure that each piece is created to the highest quality possible. Ultimately, I hope to be able to inspire others with my artwork and bring some colour into the world!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Visiting Griffith Park is essential as part of a trip to LA! Nothing beats strolling through the trails on a sunny day and seeing our beautiful city in the background. Admiring the gorgeous Los Angeles skyline from up high while having a picnic with friends is an unforgettable experience that I recommend to anyone visiting the city! You can also do a little night picnic by the observatory – this is very romantic. Enjoy! 🙂 I keep meaning to take my paints up there one day – maybe I’ll see you up there!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Hey, let me give a big shout-out to my dad! He encouraged me and gave me room and time to pursue my passion. When I went back home to England in 2019, he dedicated an area of the house to be my studio and never once pushed me when my job hunt was taking a little more time due to my painting distraction. Super grateful to him!

Website: https://stellalightheart.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stella_lightheart/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-robinson-lightheart/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stellalighted