Walking into Liz Hubbard’s studio feels like stepping into a kaleidoscope of stories. Vibrant hues leap from the canvases, each painting a portal to another world—an ornate Mediterranean poolside, a tree standing stark against a crimson backdrop, whimsical balloons floating across a lush green landscape. Blending clean, defined lines with intentional brushstrokes, Liz achieves an effortless yet highly curated look.
Liz’s artistic journey began at age 10 in the home of fine artist Julie Jamison, who offered summer classes for a small group of kids in Tuscaloosa. “She taught us everything,” Liz says of the oil painter, fondly recalling the seven-hour days she spent learning everything from color theory to how to grid a painting onto a canvas. The experience was such a joy for everyone that Julie invited them back the following summer.
Painting became an increasingly meaningful part of Liz’s life throughout her high school years. “It was such a therapeutic thing for me. I love being able to express myself through art,” she explains. “And I’ve always loved color.”
In college, Liz took a temporary detour by studying music business and working in the fast-paced Birmingham music industry. She then spent a few years working at Lolo French Antiques in Birmingham, surrounded by beautiful historic items, but her true passion ultimately called her back. At first, she created paintings for friends and family as gifts. By 2023, Liz was making her mark on Birmingham’s art scene.
“Painting has always been my constant—the one thing I've always had. I didn't grow out of it. It wasn't just an extracurricular activity for me. It’s something that’s always been a part of my life for which I’m really grateful,” she explains. “It basically keeps me sane.”
These days, Liz spends her time in her home studio, singing loudly along with her favorite playlists—Simply Red, Lana Del Rey, Bon Iver, Beck, or the latest band she’s discovered. Colorful pawprints dot the studio floor, the handiwork of Rambo, her apricot teacup poodle, and Luca, her bichon-poodle mix, the sometimes-too-curious pair who would accompany her in the studio all day if she would let them.
Drawing inspiration from fashion, architecture, and world cultures, Liz spreads a layer of yellow ochre across the canvas—her signature starting point. Then, with an array of brushes and her go-to palette knife, she creates marks with energy and precision, balancing structure and chaos as she infuses life into each composition.
Liz’s work is rich with cultural influences inspired by her travels: the colorful streets of Mexico, the vast African savannah, and the serene beaches of Thailand. Masks—her souvenir of choice—are often spotted in her paintings. “There’s so much history and meaning behind the masks,” she says. I love learning about a place’s culture and history and weaving that into my work.”
After painting the final brushstroke, Liz enjoys watching her completed works take on new forms. “Once I varnished a piece, I used to think that was it. But now I feel it’s almost the beginning of the painting’s life. By putting it on a puzzle, a scarf, or stationery, that piece can take on so many different roles and shapes—and that makes it accessible to more people.”
Liz’s eclectic artistry has found a devoted following in Birmingham and beyond. Alongside her finished pieces, she has crafted numerous custom works that grace homes throughout the city. “When I recreate a scene from a photograph for someone, I have the chance to transport them back to a meaningful place or moment in their life—and that brings me so much joy,” Liz shares.
Liz will showcase her Endless Summer series at Bennie & Coco this April. To explore more of her work, follow her on Instagram at @lizhubbard_art.