#33: The One I Didn’t See — and Someone Else Did
Art, Art Discussion, Art Show, Authenticity, Paint, Portraits, Wall Michael Hebda Art, Art Discussion, Art Show, Authenticity, Paint, Portraits, Wall Michael Hebda

#33: The One I Didn’t See — and Someone Else Did

One of my paintings, All That Glitters is Gold, is currently hanging at Holmfirth Artweek — a piece I haven’t even seen in person at the show. But this week, someone messaged me to say they had… and that it meant something to them. That small moment reminded me why I do this.

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#32: For the Wall or For Myself? Making Art with Eyes on It
Art, Art Discussion, Authenticity, Paint, Portraits, Wall, Show, Art Show Michael Hebda Art, Art Discussion, Authenticity, Paint, Portraits, Wall, Show, Art Show Michael Hebda

#32: For the Wall or For Myself? Making Art with Eyes on It

As Holmfirth Artweek approaches, I’ve been thinking about the shift from making work just for myself to preparing it for public display. This post explores that balancing act — the tension between private instinct and public sharing — and why I think both sides matter.

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#31: The Waiting Room: After the Hand-In, Before the Show
Art, Art Discussion, Authenticity, Paint, Portraits Michael Hebda Art, Art Discussion, Authenticity, Paint, Portraits Michael Hebda

#31: The Waiting Room: After the Hand-In, Before the Show

The paintings are in, waiting patiently to be hung for Holmfirth Artweek. With the making behind me, I’m reflecting on this in-between moment — that breath between completion and being seen — and the quiet anticipation of sharing work that feels like a real turning point.

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#29: Wrapped, Ready, and Real: Varnishing and Preparing for Holmfirth Artweek
Art, Art Discussion, Authenticity, Paint, Portraits Michael Hebda Art, Art Discussion, Authenticity, Paint, Portraits Michael Hebda

#29: Wrapped, Ready, and Real: Varnishing and Preparing for Holmfirth Artweek

This week in the studio has been all about the final layer — varnish. As I get ready for Holmfirth Artweek, I’ve been experimenting with matt and gloss finishes to give each painting its own distinct voice. This post is about that final act of care — and what it means to let the work go.

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#21: The Countdown Canvas: Creating for Holmfirth Artweek Under Pressure
Art, Art Discussion, Authenticity, Paint, Portraits Michael Hebda Art, Art Discussion, Authenticity, Paint, Portraits Michael Hebda

#21: The Countdown Canvas: Creating for Holmfirth Artweek Under Pressure

As Holmfirth Artweek approaches, my studio has become a swirl of colour, energy, and urgency. There's something about a deadline that sharpens the brush and fuels bold decisions. This post captures that electric rush — the chaos, the clarity, and the joy of creating when time is tight.

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The Journey of Sharing My Art: My Experience at Holmfirth Artweek
Art, Art Discussion Michael Hebda Art, Art Discussion Michael Hebda

The Journey of Sharing My Art: My Experience at Holmfirth Artweek

As an artist, the act of creating is an intimate and personal experience. The joy of expressing emotions, thoughts, and stories through my work is unmatched. But there is something uniquely rewarding about sharing that creation with the world. One of the most significant moments in my artistic journey was participating in Holmfirth Artweek 2024—my first exhibition. It marked a pivotal moment where my work moved from my studio and into a shared space, connecting me with a wider audience and sparking new conversations around my art.

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