Today we’d like to introduce you to Hailey Herrera.
Hi Hailey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love of art began when I was a child growing up in South Korea. I loved drawing and painting from an early age, but when it came time to choose a career, I followed a very different path. I pursued science and moved to the United States in 1997 for graduate studies at Texas A&M University, where I eventually earned my Ph.D. I went on to work as a research scientist and lecturer, while art remained an important but quieter part of my life.
In 2011, I felt a strong desire to return to painting and began pursuing it seriously, without knowing where it might lead. I took classes, explored different media, and spent a great deal of time experimenting and finding my own artistic voice. A major turning point came in 2012 when I discovered watercolor batik. I became fascinated by the process of layering watercolor and melted wax on paper and began experimenting with different papers, colors, and techniques. Over time, I developed my own approach to the medium.
My Korean heritage and my life in Texas both influence the way I create. I am especially inspired by nature and the Texas landscape—trees, wildflowers, water, parks, and the changing light and colors around me. Rather than simply painting what I see, I use color and texture to express how a place feels to me. I have also learned to embrace the unexpected qualities of watercolor batik. Wax drips, irregular lines, and unpredictable movement of color are not necessarily mistakes; they can become some of the most interesting parts of a painting.
My career as an artist developed gradually rather than according to a plan. I kept painting, experimenting, entering exhibitions, and taking opportunities as they came. Along the way, my work has received awards and been included in exhibitions, publications, museums, and private and public collections. Being selected for the Art of Texas Parks project and recognized as a Centennial Painter was an especially meaningful milestone in my journey.
Looking back, I see that my background in science has also shaped me as an artist. Science taught me to observe, experiment, solve problems, and stay curious—qualities I use in the studio every day. My path from South Korea to Texas, from scientist to professional artist, has certainly not been a straight one, but each experience has contributed to the artist I am today.
I continue to explore new ideas, materials, and ways of expressing what inspires me. Perhaps the most important thing I have learned is that it is never too late to return to something you love. I could never have predicted where painting would take me when I began again in 2011. I simply kept creating, learning, and following the opportunities that came my way, and I am grateful that my childhood love of art eventually became my life and career.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles was actually my curiosity. I wanted to learn and experiment with so many different things—different mediums, techniques, subjects, and styles—that I had a hard time narrowing down who I was as an artist and developing a recognizable body of work. At times, I felt that I needed to choose one direction and stay with it in order to establish myself professionally.
Over time, though, I realized that experimentation is an essential part of who I am. Instead of seeing my curiosity as a weakness, I learned to trust it and allow my work to evolve naturally. Some techniques stayed with me and became an important part of my artistic voice, while others simply taught me something and helped me move forward. Building a career in art also takes patience and persistence. There are rejections, uncertainties, and plenty of trial and error along the way. I have learned not to expect a straight path, but to keep creating, learning, and trusting that each experience contributes to where I am going.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a contemporary artist best known for my watercolor batik paintings, a unique process that combines watercolor and melted wax on paper. I am especially drawn to nature and landscapes, but rather than painting them realistically, I use vibrant, often unexpected colors and expressive textures to capture the feeling and energy of a place. My Korean heritage and my life in Texas both influence my work, bringing together Eastern and Western sensibilities.
What sets my work apart is probably my use of color and the distinctive textures created through the watercolor batik process. I enjoy the balance between control and unpredictability—the wax and watercolor often create effects that cannot be completely planned. My background in science also influences the way I work. I am naturally curious and experimental, and I am always exploring materials and finding new ways to approach familiar subjects.
I am most proud of developing a style that feels genuinely my own and of building an art career through persistence and continued growth. It is especially rewarding when someone recognizes my work before seeing my name or tells me that a painting makes them feel joyful, peaceful, or connected to a place. To me, that connection is one of the most meaningful accomplishments an artist can have.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
While I’m working in the studio, I sometimes listen to The FASO Podcast. I enjoy hearing professional artists share their experiences and perspectives on different aspects of being an artist—from the creative process and developing a personal style to the business side of building an art career. It reminds me that every artist has a different path, with challenges and discoveries along the way. I also learn a lot simply by observing other artists, visiting exhibitions, and staying curious. For me, continuing to learn and being open to new ideas are important parts of both my art and my life.
Pricing:
- Original artwork is available in a range of sizes and prices, generally from $1,000 to $7,800.
- Pricing varies depending on the medium, size, and individual piece.
- Available works and current pricing can be found on my website or by contacting me directly.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.herrera-art.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haileyeherrera/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/haileyherrerawatermedia
