#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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The Challenges of Reaching Out to Well-Known Figures for Portraits: A Reflection
Art, Art Discussion, Authenticity Michael Hebda Art, Art Discussion, Authenticity Michael Hebda

The Challenges of Reaching Out to Well-Known Figures for Portraits: A Reflection

Reaching out to well-known individuals to be part of my portrait work has been one of the most unexpectedly emotional parts of my creative practice. What began as an exciting idea—connecting with people whose faces are recognized by many—quickly turned into a lesson in patience, vulnerability, and persistence. In this reflective piece, I share the unseen challenges behind every carefully written message, the silence that often follows, and the resilience it takes to keep asking anyway. It's not just about creating art—it's about navigating the invisible barriers that surround it.

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