Tracy Elizabeth Taylor: Heart To Art

Creativity has always been at the heart of Tracy Elizabeth Taylor’s life. A civil servant by day, she carved out time nearly a decade ago to pursue her passion for painting and interior design.

From shaping clay to shaping emotions on canvas, her artistic journey is a story of resilience, inspiration, and an ever-evolving love for colour and form.

We met Tracy at her studio in her home in Barry and she talked to us about her creative journey.

What do you do for a living?
I work as a civil servant but went part-time almost ten years ago to dedicate more time to painting and interior design. My first job was at a pottery, where I learned how to throw pots – perhaps an early sign of my creative spirit.

How long have you been painting?
Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Encouraged by a supportive art teacher, I’ve been drawing and painting since childhood. I even have a pencil sketch from when I was eleven, done at my grandparents’ house in Builth Wells. It still makes me smile – especially because I misspelled “August” with three u’s!

Where do you paint? Do you have a studio?
I need my creative space to be messy, so a tiny garden shed just wouldn’t do. Now, I’m fortunate to have a dedicated studio at home, overlooking my small garden – a creative sanctuary where I can be as free (and as untidy) as I like.

How would you describe your art?
My style has evolved over time. From sketches and portraits to watercolours, I now focus on large, colourful abstract paintings – works that are recognisable yet expressed in a bold, impactful way.

What materials do you use?
Acrylic ink and alcohol ink are my go-to mediums. I use water and movement rather than brushes, working exclusively on canvas.

What made you take up painting?
Creativity is in my nature – whether designing interiors or painting, I’m always imagining how things could look with a little artistic touch. However, painting became especially important during difficult times. After losing my sister, it became a form of healing, leading me to set up my first garden shed studio. When my mother passed, I expanded into a larger space in my home, turning painting into both solace and necessity.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
The world around me – daily walks by the beach or through the woods, ever-changing skies, and bursts of colour in nature. I never paint directly from a photo but rather from the images and feelings imprinted in my mind.

Who do you admire as an artist?
I love visiting galleries and discovering new and inspiring artists, but if I had to choose one, it would be American artist Maria Kreyn. A friend introduced me to Kreyn’s work after seeing her commissioned paintings in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Shakespearean-themed theatre refurbishments. I admire the scale and emotional depth of her art.

How long does it take to complete a painting?
Patience is key. I usually work on two pieces at a time, allowing layers of ink to dry before adding more. A seascape might take months, while simpler pieces can take around four weeks.

How do you know when a painting is finished?
That’s the hardest part! I’ve ruined many pieces by adding “just a little more”. Over time, I’ve learned to step away, move the painting to another room, or take it straight to be framed – because once it’s varnished and framed, it’s final.

What does painting bring to your life?
Peace. It’s an escape, a way to lose myself for hours. It has helped me navigate grief, but it also brings moments of doubt and self-criticism – part of every artist’s journey. When I’m painting, the highs can be very high, and the lows are there to learn from.

Do you accept commissions?
I have taken on a few commissions but prefer to sell completed works. Since my process is intuitive, I can’t replicate pieces exactly but can work within a chosen colour palette. I’m painting for me. It’s pure. If someone loves my work as much as I do, then that’s lovely.

How does that process work?
For a commission, I discuss the client’s preferred colours, the intended space, and their favourite elements from my past works. I provide colour samples and sketches, but given the fluid nature of acrylic ink, the final outcome is always unique.

Where can people see your work?
My work is available to view at my home, on Instagram, and – depending on the response to my upcoming exhibition – on my own website in the future.

TRACY ELIZABETH TAYLOR
Exhibition announcement

Tracy’s paintings will be displayed at Penarth Pier Pavilion throughout July. There will be a private launch at The Gallery, Broad Street, Barry on the 28th June at 7 pm and the exhibition will run from the 2nd July at Penarth Pier at the Pavilion for one month.

Admission will be free and paintings will be available for sale.

What do you love about Penarth Pier and the town?
The Art Deco elegance of the pier, the stunning sea views, and the lively atmosphere of the nearby restaurants and bars – it’s the perfect setting for an exhibition.