Frost Magazine, and Thirsk, enjoyed Frank Family Butcher’s newly painted shop front, the actual window, created and signed by ‘Louisa’ so much that Frost Magazine’s editor has hunted her down to hear just how her inspired window painting came about.
It seems that like so many artists she has been drawing and painting since she was able to grip a pencil. Encouraged by her mum, whose brother David was a painter, one who died at the early age of 30, Louisa drew every day. Believe it or not, her first commission arrived at the tender age of 7 years old.
‘I was asked to draw a picture of my primary school, to be presented to the Mayor. I still remember sitting in the playground on a sunny, breezy June day meticulously drawing every brick on the small Victorian building. The teachers at my primary school (Miss Rachel Howard’s Primary school in Ackworth, West Yorkshire) encouraged ‘the arts’. They were old school teachers, in their late 60s/ 70s with neat wartime hairstyles and wore dresses from below the knee to chin with a tightly secured broach on the neck. They were wonderful and influenced me no end. I had a passion for drama too and played the lead in several school plays.’
The editor of Frost Magazine was in several plays too, but in the chorus, well hidden from view, though she felt she was star material, of course. The managing editor and owner of Frost Magazine really was, however, a burgeoning star until writing took her fancy.
The duality of Louisa’s interests led her into drama initially, enrolling on a theatre studies and performing arts course at A level, but at one point she switched back to art, focussing on fashion design (influenced by below the knee to chin outfits perhaps?). Accepted on a BA Hons Degree in Fashion at Leeds College of Art and Design she developed cold feet. Lord, we all know that feeling, and changed back to drama. Her drama course included set design, so it was, as Louisa said, ‘Really a mixture‘.
With a 2:1 in Theatre Studies under her belt Louisa moved into acting professionally, performing in fringe theatre, travelling theatre companies and small walk-on TV roles. Working hard at auditioning, not to mention studying with the amazing Method Teacher Jack Waltzer in London, she thrived, but still the art was ongoing.
Then, as it does, romance intervened, marriage and a baby brought about a move to Harrogate and an end to performing in far away places. Then another baby arrived, and Louisa found herself working at Grove Road Primary school as a teaching assistant, and overheard the Head Teacher talking about stairwell art. Grove Road has staircases that go on forever. (Apparently the kids call the old building (built in the 1800s) Hogwarts or The Princess Castle.) ‘The head wanted artwork going all the way up each stair case. I immediately jumped in and volunteered to do it. He chose the work of Axel Scheffler and Quentin Blake, and I happily recreated them on canvas and huge A1 boards.’
‘My best friend Becky of 35 years then suggested the window painting idea after seeing my paintings. It was during covid, and she was walking to work in Ealing on the empty streets, but she was cheered by the wonderful window art in all of the shops. She told me I should do it….’
Louisa tried out various techniques and materials, and gradually windows began to be commissioned increasing markedly as Christmas 2022 approached. ‘Ah, seasonal windows. Of course,’ Louisa realised.
Now we are into 2023 Louisa has regular customers coming back for seasonal paintings, as well as pet portraits and t-shirt design commissions. ‘I have chosen the name ‘Louisa’ for my business name ‘Louisa Loves Painting’ as a nod towards my mum. Louise is on my birth certificate as my Dad registered me incorrectly. My Mum preferred Louisa but she didn’t go with my Dad to register me. He took the lead as he thought Louisa was ‘too posh’. My Dad is living in Spain now, but I take the ladders he left me to every job. They are ancient, rickety and I should probably worry about my safety, but I remember using them to paint the house with him as a child.’
Margaret’s dad also registered his children’s names, which he got right, but none of the birthdays. One was a month and a day out. Margaret’s was a day out, and the eldest sister’s too.
‘I have my favourite jobs,’ explains Louisa, ‘But find all my clients to be fun to work with. So many come to me with wonderfully crazy ideas that I then get the pleasure of putting on their window. If a client has a vague idea or promotion but is then happy to leave it up to me I will do lots of research and suggest design ideas to them. I always draw free hand. One of my favourite things about this job is meeting the clients and discovering their unique businesses. So many independent businesses ask me to work with them and I find it inspiring to hear of their products and their success. I make sure I promote them with a fun video on social media and also by recommendations via word of mouth. The absolute best thing is being able to work with the same client again on a new project, it’s often like visiting an old friend. I feel honoured to be able to support their business.’
Two of Louisa’s recent works include the ‘Monarch of the Dog’s Bakery and Cafe’ competition which featured in the local paper. Local dog walkers entered their pooches into the competition, to have the chance of winning the prize of place as ‘monarch’ on the cafe window. Owner Emma, also gave away a free afternoon tea to both owners and winner. All the proceeds went to Dogs4Rescue.
Another is the work she has created for Jeni at Grassington Farm shop and kitchen – designing their branding, including t-shirts, windows, A-boards and also their artwork for Pride of the Dales.
Interestingly, Louisa still studies art, and has attended multiple classes in Harrogate since moving here in 2012. She, like many others, thinks it’s important to keep learning and has finally settled on a fantastic teacher – Andres of York Corner studio– and attends his classes weekly. Also… she has been a supporting artist on Emmerdale since moving here, as she says, ‘I just can’t help myself!‘.
Louisa’s goals are to expand her business as her children get older and is moving into pet portraits as well as looking forward to the Halloween and Christmas bookings. ‘Many members of the public have commented when I have been working or contacted me through social media to say that my artwork puts a smile on their face, and this takes my job satisfaction to a great new level.’
Louisa is available for commissions in the North Yorkshire area. Facebook Instagram
Roots and Fruits, Kendalls Farm Butchers Harrogate, York Corner Studio
Grassington Farm Shop and Kitchen , The Dogs Bakery and Cafe, Dogs4rescue