Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 8 hours ago
Why do some paintings feel alive while others leave us feeling nothing?
In this artist's diary, I take you inside my studio as I wrestle with one of the biggest questions I've ever asked about my own work. I'm creating a new series of contemporary portrait paintings inspired by old family photographs, but my goal isn't to copy the images. I'm trying to make the paintings feel like memories.
Join me as I experiment with collage, charcoal, acrylic, sanding and layers of paint in search of surfaces that feel worn by time. Along the way I share the artists inspiring me, the breakthroughs (and frustrations) that happen in the studio, and why I believe every painting carries the history of its own making.
If you love contemporary art, painting, creativity, family history or simply enjoy spending time in an artist's studio, I hope you'll enjoy coming along for the journey.
If you're new here, welcome! I'm Louise Fletcher, a British artist exploring memory, identity and the emotional power of paint through a weekly artist's diary.
I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments:
What makes a painting feel alive to you?
#ArtistStudio #ContemporaryArt #PaintingProcess #PortraitPainting #ArtistDiary #AbstractArt #CreativeProcess #FamilyHistory #FineArt #LouiseFletcher
Join my weekly artist's newsletter at louisefletcherart.com/newsletter-artists.
You can also find me:
On Facebook at facebook.com/louisefletcherart
On Instagram at instagram.com/louisefletcher_art
And on my podcast at: louisefletcherart.com/for-artists/podcast
Why do some paintings feel alive while others leave us feeling nothing?
In this artist's diary, I take you inside my studio as I wrestle with one of the biggest questions I've ever asked about my own work. I'm creating a new series of contemporary portrait paintings inspired by old family photographs, but my goal isn't to copy the images. I'm trying to make the paintings feel like memories.
Join me as I experiment with collage, charcoal, acrylic, sanding and layers of paint in search of surfaces that feel worn by time. Along the way I share the artists inspiring me, the breakthroughs (and frustrations) that happen in the studio, and why I believe every painting carries the history of its own making.
If you love contemporary art, painting, creativity, family history or simply enjoy spending time in an artist's studio, I hope you'll enjoy coming along for the journey.
If you're new here, welcome! I'm Louise Fletcher, a British artist exploring memory, identity and the emotional power of paint through a weekly artist's diary.
I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments:
What makes a painting feel alive to you?
#ArtistStudio #ContemporaryArt #PaintingProcess #PortraitPainting #ArtistDiary #AbstractArt #CreativeProcess #FamilyHistory #FineArt #LouiseFletcher
Join my weekly artist's newsletter at louisefletcherart.com/newsletter-artists.
You can also find me:
On Facebook at facebook.com/louisefletcherart
On Instagram at instagram.com/louisefletcher_art
And on my podcast at: louisefletcherart.com/for-artists/podcast
