Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather L. Shelby.
Hi Heather, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am a self-taught artist who grew up on a Ranch in a small, one-light, Texas town, Archer City. I wanted oversized art for my home and I had something in mind but couldn’t find exactly what I was looking for so, I painted it. I enjoyed it so much that I continued to paint pieces for my home and when people would see them, they would commission me for their own homes and businesses. Now, my artwork is sold and displayed in New York, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Belize, Paris, France and other places around the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Art has come pretty natural to me, but sometimes it takes a while to get a piece just right. I will work on some orders for days and then start completely over or make major changes where it looks very different from where I started. I don’t want to put my name on a piece of art unless I am truly proud of it and the client I am creating it for is absolutely in love!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Collectively, I work with designers and clients, creating fine art to fit their specific design, size and color palettes. I do mostly commission pieces and work closely with the customer, including them in every step in the process to ensure I am in line with their vision. I specialize in abstract art but most of my clients say there is a balance to the movement in the pieces. A number of people who do not usually like abstract art are drawn to my work because of the balance. I do have a wide range of styles that I enjoy doing, from subtle and calming to funky and loud. This is why I work well with interior designers. They will send me their mock-ups of the design they plan to do throughout a home or office space, along with paint colors and fabric swatches. When I am working with an individual, I love to see their space in person or through photographs to get an idea of their style. It is incredibly important to know the customer because art is such a personal preference and should represent the owner. I base all of my artwork on a scripture from The Bible. There is usually a reason behind the specific verse that inspires me, which is why I find it so important to get to know my clients. I also hide something special in the piece, such as a word or a name and love pointing it out to them once the piece is finished. I work out of my art studio in my home in West Plano where I live with my husband Rob and 4 children.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in a small town on a cattle ranch. I would hunt, fish and help my dad work cattle. I loved exploring the land on a four-wheeler with my little sister, we would come back home covered in dirt and mud. I graduated with a class of 29 students from Archer City High School and enjoyed being a part of golf, track and cheerleading. Being a small Texas town, football was huge and we would go all out decorating the school halls, gym and even places around town with giant painted signs, cheering our team to victory! “Painting Signs” was my favorite part of course and I have some of the best memories painting and drawing out football themed quotes and scenes late into the night with the rest of the cheerleading squad. I went on to attend Texas A&M University and earned a degree in Communications. Right out of college, I started with a Technology Sales company and continue to consult and sell within the industry. My art business started out as a “side gig” but has blossomed into what it is today!
Contact Info:
- Email: info@artbyheatherelle.com
- Website: artbyheatherelle.com
- Instagram: @artbyheatherelle
- Facebook: @artbyheatherelle
Image Credits
Brooke Shelby Photography-Erin Shelby Mueller
