In this edition of Culturalee in Conversation, we spotlight emerging visual artist Art Liard, whose evocative work bridges the gap between humanity and the natural world. Known for her intuitive plein air sketches and richly layered paintings, Liard captures fleeting moments of light, movement, and emotion – transforming them into compelling explorations of ecology, wildlife, still life, and the human figure. Based in London, her practice reflects a growing dialogue between urban life and the need to reconnect with nature’s rhythms.
Through delicate brushwork and a deeply reflective process, Art Liard’s paintings celebrate the beauty, fragility, and interconnectedness of life. From spontaneous outdoor sketches to intricate studio compositions, her work preserves the authenticity of first encounters while expanding into thoughtful narratives about environmental awareness and human presence. In this interview, she shares insights into her creative process, recent exhibitions, and the role of art in fostering emotional and ecological consciousness in a fast-paced world.
Your work often begins with plein air sketches that capture fleeting emotional moments. How do these spontaneous observations evolve into your more layered watercolours and oil paintings, and what do you try to preserve from that first encounter with a scene?
I really enjoy working outdoors because that’s often where the most honest emotions and observations appear. It can be the light on water, the movement of wind through trees, or simply the feeling of silence in a particular place. Plein air work is very intuitive because everything happens quickly — you’re trying to capture a moment that cannot be repeated in exactly the same way. Later, in the studio, I return to those sketches and develop them into more layered works in watercolour or oil. For me, the most important thing is preserving that first emotional feeling I had when I encountered the landscape.
You explore the delicate balance between the natural world and human existence. How has living and working in London influenced your perspective on this relationship, particularly in contrast to the environments you depict?
London is a very dynamic city, and I think living here has made me appreciate nature and silence even more. When you live in a big city, you really feel how disconnected people can become from natural rhythms. That made me reflect even more deeply on the relationship between humans and nature. Through my work, I often try to remind people that we are not separate from nature — we are part of it.
You were recently part of a group exhibition at AMOVE Gallery. Can you tell us about the works you presented there and how they connect to your ongoing exploration of ecology, wildlife, and human presence?
At the AMOVE Gallery exhibition, I presented works about transformation, fragility, and the cycles of life in nature. Some of the works featured flowers, especially roses, which for me became symbols of beauty, time, and vulnerability. I’m very interested in observing how nature is constantly changing, and I see that as a reflection of human life as well. Even when there is no visible human figure in my work, human presence is often still felt.
You’ve described art as “a gentle force that brings light, warmth, and happiness into people’s lives.” In today’s often overwhelming world, what role do you believe artists play in shaping emotional and environmental awareness?
I think art can give people a chance to slow down and feel something real. We live in a very fast and noisy world with constant information and distraction. Art can bring attention back to important things — emotions, nature, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Sometimes people begin caring about important issues through emotional connection, and I believe art can help create that connection.
What exhibitions do you have planned in the near future?
At the moment, I’m continuing to work on new projects and participate in international exhibitions. This autumn, I’m scheduled to take part in an environmental exhibition at Gabriel Fine Arts as part of Art + Climate Week in November, which feels especially meaningful because environmental themes are very close to my artistic practice. At the same time, I’m working on new series and continuing to develop my presence internationally.
Find more information on Art Liard here.
