I am an acrylic and mixed media artist. I’m inspired by manga, low-brow, and street art, expressionist artists, and intuitive painting. My style and subjects vary; I like both things that are cute and playful, as well as exploring darker emotions, the melancholy and the macabre.
My paintings sometimes begin as abstract works that look like graffitied walls. I like my paintings to unfold on the canvas, adding and subtracting color until the piece reveals itself. I often begin a painting without a final product in mind, and even when I have an idea in mind I think it’s important to be open to change. I enjoy the challenge of creating an image completely from imagination.
I like to incorporate Russian words into my paintings as well. In high school and college, I spent time in Russia. It left an indelible impression on me. For that reason, Russian words occasionally make an appearance in my art. I sign my paintings in Russian: Xe3ep/ Xezep (pronounced Heh-zair – that’s what my Russian friends would call me, as there is no “th” in Russian).
Contact me:
heather @ heatherunderground.com (for best results, smoosh it all together!)
Me, doing some really early experimentation with watercolors… Photo by my father.
HeatherUnderground 
Heather, I love this!
Thanks!
Great site, Heather!
Thank you, Becky! ❤
Heather, I like your paintings and I am happy you found a path to express yourself. Alas, I am still searching (not really though) for my ideal persuit! Best regards to your parents.
Hi Katya! It’s great to hear from you! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a message. I’m glad I could share my art with you. I miss all of my Russian families. Take care and good luck with your search…
Lovely bright colourful work!
Thank you!
Do you live in Russia? I really like your art. Check mine out- I just had a show (http://rebekkalien.com/art/the-reckoning-2012-show/). You can also find me on FB- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebekka-Lien/206081989431609.
Thanks, I’ll check it out. 🙂 No, I don’t live in Russia, but I was an exchange student there a few times in high school and college. The first time I visited it was still the Soviet Union! I like to use Russian in my art because it was a big part of my life and it evoked strong emotions.
Hi Heather,
Thank you for looking through keepyoureyespeeled. This is really a lovely site and I congratulate you on your work. I especially like the layers in your paintings. You might like a painter I know named Marcie Paper, your vibrancy seems to come through differently in color than hers, but you might like the way she covers and hides different images.
Best wishes,
Sarah
thank you, Sarah! i appreciate the feedback. i was looking more at your paintings – i love We Travel Together. i’d love to see it in person.
i’ll check out Marcie – thanks for the tip!
happy painting!
-=-heather
Great site Heather ! Glad to see you doing so well.
Thanks, Barney! Such a nice surprise to see you here! Thanks for visiting. 🙂
I nominated you for a pile of awards…
http://wereallmadinhere.wordpress.com/2012/08/10/at-long-last-awards-long-post/
oh my goodness, that IS quite a stack! i am very honored to receive them from you – i love your blog! thank you!
you’re welcome dear!
I love the painting on the top of this page, and especially the pic your Dad took of you as a little one painting! My daughter is that age now, and she loves to paint with Daddy!
Thank you! My kids love to make art too. They’re both in elementary school. I have to admit tho, sometimes I get a little nervous about the competition! I love children’s work!