From Eastern Europe to Asia and Back: Colourful Scenes by Heidi Keyes

When she became a flight attendant, Heidi Keyes had the opportunity to travel around the world, sketching beautiful scenery and urban landscapes as she went. Her sense of adventure has led her  through Eastern Europe and Asia, and is reflected in her strong, colourful paintings. This will certainly brighten up your Monday! 

Your paintings are very vibrant and eye-catching. How did this style develop?

During most of my undergraduate, I used to work in a very realistic format using graphite. My current style was born, most simply put, out of frustration with this process and a desire to once again feel like I was creating something spontaneous and from my soul. One day, in a fit of frustration, I began to draw wildly with a paintbrush, with an emphasis on technique rather than end result. I was pleased and surprised at the level of sophistication achieved through the use of simplistic lines and connected forms. The figures and landscapes I created were uncertain, unsure, and often pensive, but my lines were confident and bold. The use of brilliant color evolved quickly with my technique, as if I was bursting from a bubble I had felt contained to.

Tbilisi, Georgia

What inspires your work (people, places, ideas etc)?

I have always been captivated by adventure and experienced an advanced degree of wanderlust, so several years ago I became a flight attendant for an international charter company. My profession allowed me to experience a wealth of different cities and cultures throughout the world, and as a result, I began painting landscapes as well as the human figure. I believe my sense of adventure and my free spirit are captured in the paintings that I create. The way I look at painting is the way I view my life– nothing is ever certain, and often the best results come from mistakes.

Market in Ljubljana

Let’s talk about process. Describe how each piece of work comes together from start to finish – do you sketch on-site or work from photographs?

I do both. Sometimes while traveling, especially if I’m not alone, it’s difficult to find the time to sit down and sketch. I work from not only sketches and photographs, but my memories—the atmosphere, the people that surrounded me, how a certain place made me feel. I begin by throwing down a spontaneous outline; sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes I gesso over it and begin again. From there I add washes and texture in a variety of colors until the piece just feels “done” to me. Usually—not all of the time, but usually— I reach a point where I just know the piece is finished. I can feel it in my bones.

Venice, Italy

It’s clear that you have travelled a lot. What has been the most inspiring place you have visited and why?

When I was a flight attendant I traveled because it was my job. I no longer travel as my profession; I travel because I just can’t stop seeing the world. There is just so much out there to experience. My art– it is about bursting from the bubble that contains us, sucking in a deep, staggering breath, and experiencing everything that is overwhelmingly colorful and beautiful and bright, even in things and places that normally aren’t considered so.

The place I was most inspired by? I couldn’t even begin to say. Everywhere I’ve been has its own presence, its own connection to history. From Kyrgyzstan to Japan to Dubai to Hill City, South Dakota—I don’t know if it’s the place itself that inspires me. Maybe it’s just the opportunity to leave my comfort zone and experience being someplace else for a little while.

Budapest, Hungary

If you could paint anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Gah, there are SO many places I have on my list to see, so I can’t answer that. However, my next planned trip is to Mexico City. My resolution this year is to buy fewer “things” and travel more; I feel like I’m always planning my next adventure… or trying to, anyway.

Osan, South Korea

Finally, do you have any tips to give travellers who are interested in making art of the places they visit?

Take your sketchbook with. Having a small set of portable watercolors has made such a huge difference in the art and ideas I’m able to put down on paper while I’m a nomad. Mostly though, embrace the culture, experience the people, see as much as you can. Have adventures and get out of your comfort zone… take risks, but obviously within reason! I’m always game to travel. Anyone have any suggestions for me?

See more of Heidi’s work on her website.

What do you like most about Heidi’s pieces? Do you have a favourite painting here?

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