KNOW ME

THERE IS SO MUCH BEAUTY TO DISCOVER EVERYWHERE AROUND US...

"Leave the roads; take the trails."

-Pythagoras

ARTIST BIO

Denise Heil is originally from a small town in the picturesque Netherlands, where even as a small child she was in love with the nature around her and spent many days playing in the little wood behind her house. As soon as she was able to hold a crayon, she started drawing…and simply never stopped.

A self-taught artist, she fell in love once more, this time with a charming man from Utah. Married in 2017, Denise and Mike have since lived in this state of endless beauty that never ceases to amaze and inspire. As an artist, Denise grew into realism with charcoal and pastels as her main mediums and draws evocative portraits of her favorite subjects (wildlife & pets) in lovely detail, with ‘a dash of imagination’ to capture a sense of childlike awe and wonder, as if you see the animal for the first time.

Whenever Denise is not working in her studio, she can be found hiking and adventuring with Mike, practicing martial arts, reading a good book and hanging out with her 2 mischievous cats, or engaged in good conversation over a nice meal with family and friends.

ARTIST STATEMENT

“Wonder and awe fuel my art. In a world of disenchantment, fast fixes and artificiality, I seek what’s real, meaningful, and unspeakably beautiful in our world.

I hope to recalibrate our vision to the everyday magic around us—the surprise of fireflies in the woods, the grace of the big cats, the purr of the small cat in your lap, your pup’s loving gaze, breathtaking sunsets, and campfire nights that feel endless.

The vibrancy of pastels and dramatic fluidity of charcoal are especially suitable for capturing moments that feel surreal yet have always been there—in nature, in our connections with animals, with each other, and with God the Master Creator. I naturally gravitate to realism, with animals being a favorite subject - but with a dash of imagination to take you with me to those surreal-feeling moments that leave such blissful marks on our hearts.

I hope that my artwork can be a gentle invitation to look at the world through eyes of one who is constantly in awe, and to (re)discover all the enchanting things hiding in your own life as well.”

HEILSTORM STUDIOS

Fire and hail, snow and clouds;
Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;

Psalm 148:8

"Though I can be turbulent and flawed, I hope to always point toward the light of all that is beautiful in this world and was placed here by a loving Creator who continues to uphold it. I long to join the rest of Creation in looking up and honoring Him for the gift of life, provision, and salvation" - Denise Heil

How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. [...] All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time.
When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things.

Psalm 104:24, 27-28

LET'S CONNECT

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