Vendors we {LOVE}: Hillary Butler Fine Art

I've finally made it. I'm finally made it to the point where I feel like a true grown-up! Today, I purchased my first piece of artwork. Not just a reprint from a decor store but an actual commissioned, custom piece. I have searched high and low for that one image that spoke to me and would be a statement piece above my new mantle. Let me tell ya, it was not an easy feat. I didn't want traditional artwork of flowers in vases or a cliche piece by a super famous painter. Just not my style. After searching high and low, both locally and on the web, I stumbled upon my new artwork by happenstance while browsing Instagram. That's when I found Hillary Butler Fine Art. When I saw her paintings I fell head-over-heels in love. Her use of color, shading and the overall look of her work is just breathtaking!I purchased a piece she called "When I was Young". It spoke to my soul. Truly! I can not wait to share it with you all perched atop my mantle in all its colorful, wondrous beauty. In the meantime, Hillary has graciously shared some of her story with us today and we could not be more excited! So without further ado........I give you Hillary Butler..........

Q: How did you get started as an artist?

I have always been an artist, ever since I was a kid, I was always doing something creative. It just took me a while to find that artist in there and figure out where to take it professionally. I would like to describe my journey to being a full time artist as a family circus drawing of the kid traveling all over the neighborhood to feed the dog in the corner of his own yard. It was always right there in front of me, but I had to take the long way to embrace it.  I remember having inspiration collages with magazine cutouts plastered on my walls as far back as jr high. Art class was my jam, but it wasn't until I took portrait lessons later in high school that I thought I could do something with art. I entered college as an art major, but at the ripe, wise, age of 19, decided that being covered in charcoal  was not the life for me (now, I love it!). I graduated with an English degree, taught English, went back for a graphic design degree, worked an office job for 5 years, and then the light bulb went off. I was happiest when painting, so I left the 9-5 world to pursue art full time and haven't looked back. 

Q: Tell us a little bit about your painting style and why you design with the materials you do?

I would describe my style as abstract representational. It's evolved over the last few years and I've been thrilled with the direction it's gone. I work  in oil on canvas. I use canvas because it's how I was trained and they make beautiful presentations, although I'm about to release a new series on paper at the end of this month! Oil is my favorite paint medium because I really enjoy the way the paint flows on the canvas and that it takes a while to dry so I have time to work out any kinks in a painting before it dries. And the smell of oil paint and turpentine is energizing for me. I feel like a real artist when I use it.     

Q: Do you offer custom paintings?

I do! Most of the work that I do is custom. I work with clients colors to create the perfect piece for their space. I also offer this really great feature where I mock up paintings on a client's wall to scale so they see exactly what their piece will look like before they buy it. It's so amazing and stress- free. People love it! 

Q: What can you be found doing in your spare time?

You can find me snooping out new places to hang out in Memphis, amusing myself by making cocktails to pair with paintings,  scheming up an excuse  to have a dinner party, and spending time with my husband David and dog Penny. I've been on a yoga kick lately. We're a pretty chill bunch.

I am super excited to share with you all her new "Oil on Paper" series. These are great options if you are looking for a custom piece on a budget! I think I need to pick some up for my office.

 Check out more of Hillary's work on her website http://hillarybutler.bigcartel.com/ or any one of her social media outlets below:http://www.facebook.com/Hillary.Butler.Fine.Arthttp://instagram.com/hillarybutlerarthttp://www.pinterest.com/hbutler/