ARTIST: Eli Halpin

I asked my good friend Jennifer Mercede for some artists she could recommend as I want to feature artists in all their glory on dandelion moms as I feel art can move and inspire us. One of my favorite things to do pre-kid (and when I had more time on my hands), was to go to estate sales as you can find the best abstract artwork from the 1950’s in our parts of the woods. My entire house is filled with this estate sale art as well as from some of my favorite local artists including Jennifer Mercede.

One of her recommendations was Eli Halpin, an artist based in Austin, Texas. I was immediately drawn to her work as she paints animals and I am always a fan of beautiful and interesting art depicting animals. Her colors are so vibrant as you can see with her beautiful portrait of a peacock. I had a chance to speak to Eli about her work.

How long have you been creating art and what was the turning point for you as an artist? I have always loved anything creative and I started painting full time about 10 years ago. I started painting 20 years ago in high school and continued into college trying new things. I was into welding, sculpting, knitting, sewing, drawing, pottery and glass blowing but knew I needed to narrow it down if I was going to make a business. Painting drew me in the most because I love the paint itself and I liked the excitement of hanging exhibitions and having art openings. Where do you usually get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from everywhere in the world that I look. I love to paint about food, sharing, eating, and living together and working together. I also love animals. My favorite things to paint are claws, whiskers, cheeks and paws.

You draw a lot of animals – have you always been drawn to them?

I grew up in Alaska and camping was a major theme with my family. We spent a lot of time on the Kenai River so I saw wild animals often. I always wished I could get closer to them. Maybe this is why I paint animals’ faces so close up.

Any new and exciting news you want to share with us?

My newest art studio where I make my paintings is in a super huge 1250 sq. ft. warehouse in Austin Texas! Come visit me if you are in Austin!

Thank you for your time Eli and sharing your work with us!

To see more of her work go to: www.elihalpin.com.