Etsy Equestrian #7: Liz of Liz Wiley Fine Art

Scrolling through Instagram I happened upon the lovely equestrian art of Liz Wiley Fine Art, and knew I had to feature Liz in my Etsy Equestrian series! A few fun facts about Liz: first, Liz comes from a long line of people who love to create with their hands. She lives in Texas and is a busy mom of tweens. While in school Liz’s focus was on ceramics, thus she frequently utilizes ceramics techniques on her paintings which can be described as graceful and free. Read on to find out more about Liz’s Etsy shop, horse background and a recent career challenge she faced head on. (I’ll give you a hint: it was in the realm of public speaking.)

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Liz surrounded by her equestrian art.

Where do you live and what’s the horse scene like there?

There are many different equestrian centers here in Dallas, Texas. I have recently been connected with an amazing organization called Equest. They offer Therapeutic Riding to enhance the quality of life for children and adults with diverse needs by partnering with horses to bring hope and healing through equine assisted activities and therapies.I’m completely obsessed with two minis they have, Cisco and Dare. They take them everywhere.  This summer they have been traveling around to different libraries around Dallas. They are ambassadors for Equest, helping people of all ages learn about the unique healing bond between humans and horses.

I noticed a great picture on Instagram of you as a baby on a rocking horse–tell us about how you came to love horses? Do you currently ride or own a horse?

I have always loved horses. Growing up in Abilene, Texas and I was surrounded by horses. I don’t have any horses right now and no plans at the moment, but I can always visit my mom’s four horses when I need a horse fix. My kids absolutely love laying and loving on my mom’s minis. They are the best horses and so great with my kids.

A limited edition scarf featured in the Liz Wiley Etsy Shop.

Give us a little insight into your daily life or family life (or both).

Life is full of excitement at the moment. I have two kids, Lily 11 and Ethan 10. My days during the summer are full of driving them to and from camp, the pool and friends’ houses. During the school year I’m able to have more scheduled studio hours.

How did you learn how to draw and paint horses? Is there anyone else artistic in your family?

I studied Fine Art at the University of Texas at Arlington with a focus in Ceramics. I didn’t fall in love with painting until a few years later, but Ceramics had a major impact on my work and how I developed my painting style and technique. I use many of my ceramic tools when painting to apply and scrape the paint onto the canvas.

There is so much creativity in my family. My mom use to paint, my grandfather use to make wooden objects and my grandmother quilts. I come from a long line of people who enjoy making things that they want/need instead of buying something new from a store. Handmade object have a soul and energy that mass-produced object don’t have. [I love the previous statement and had to italicize and bold it! – Susan]

Describe your Etsy shop and products.

I sell original paintings, scarves and painted clutches. I have a small variety of paintings. Mostly equestrian paintings, but there are a few ocean seascapes, churches and flowers. The images on the scarves are taken from different paintings. I have two silk equestrian scarves and two micro poly equestrian scarves and two micro poly abstract scarves.

The micro poly scarves are large, they could be used as a skirt cover up at the beach. The silk scarves are so soft and could be worn with almost anything. My clutches started out using the leftover canvas remnants from when I would stretch a canvas. I use wanted to use the canvas instead of throwing it away and small purses seemed to be the perfect fit. I have recently started painting little sketches with India Ink. I’m just now starting to list them in my Etsy Store. [Making purses out of remnant canvas pieces is the coolest! -Susan]

Chukka is one of several large horse paintings featured in Liz’s shop.

Describe your painting style and how it has evolved.

I like to define my painting style as loose and free. There are graphic elements with playful layers of paint.I try to capture the gracefulness in different equestrian sports and the communication that happens between horse and rider.I simplify images and often leave areas unpainted or left out. The faces of riders are never given much detail.I want the viewer to imagine what they want to see. I love finding new tools and techniques. I admit that my style slowly evolves every time I learn a new technique, but there is a common thread that ties it all together.

What’s the greatest challenge and joy you face in your work?

Recently I was asked to give an artist talk.I have never felt comfortable with public speaking. Actually it gives me anxiety to think about it, but I prepared and practiced my speech and put together a keynote with photos. It was one of the hardest things I’ve done, but I’m so glad I did it.

Whom do you regard as a hero or look to for inspiration?

My mom is my hero. She doesn’t let anything stand in her way. She is always so inspiring. Whenever I need advice I’ll call her. She always has a way of getting me excited and ready to go. She loves visiting my studio and is always excited to see my new works.

Do you have any horse-related bucket list items you’d like to cross off?

For the last few years we have traveled to different beaches along the Gulf Coast. On our trips I have noticed horse tracks in the sand. I would love to ride along the beach. It sounds so peaceful. My two favorite things at the same time. I can’t imagine anything better.

How do your friends describe you?

I wasn’t really sure what my friends would say so I asked. Their responses filled my heart with such joy.
Gregarious and thoughtful. Always someone to remember a birthday or an accomplishment. Sincerely interested in other people’s lives, loves to binge watch and gossip about trashy TV. Easy to talk to, never judges always accepts. Quick with a smile and a lighthearted story. A connector of friends and people. Remembers people’s names.

Thanks for reading and be sure to peruse Liz’s Etsy shop as well as follow Liz Wiley Fine Art on Instagram.