Chloe Ball often paints in comfortable, but elaborate, pink dresses and outfits—the mainstay of her wardrobe.
“I have always had a love for fashion, especially vintage fashion, primarily from the 50s and 60s,” Ball says. “There is so much charm and character to the styles that were most popular during those decades that I love to incorporate not only into my art but also into my own wardrobe.”
It was her wardrobe that first inspired Ball to sketch fashion portraits. After college, she pursued freelance work, which left her little time for ambitious personal projects. To stay connected to her inner artist, she began drawing the outfits she wore.
Over time, Ball says, those sketches evolved into painted tributes to vintage Dior and Chanel, and eventually into special occasion portraits for friends and family.
Today, Ball blends her interest in fashion with live portraiture by capturing people or pets—their sense of style and likenesses—at booths and markets around Phoenix, and through Etsy commissions. She calls her style “loose, imperfect and quirky.”
“Strangely enough,” she admits, “I can remember every painting I’ve ever done of someone or their pet.” One of her favorites, she says, was of two rescue beagles named Dixie and Emmy Lou, who still visit her booth at markets to say hello.
Recently, Ball traveled to Paris, drawing inspiration from the Louvre’s special fashion exhibit featuring archival pieces from legendary fashion houses like Thom Browne, Dior, and Chanel. She also turns to Pinterest, old runway looks, mid-century films (particularly those with costumes by Edith Head), and the fashion illustrations of Robert Best.
To Ball, her work is a “living, breathing” thing. “I’m constantly getting ideas for new paintings…I haven’t felt this sort of creative hunger in quite some time.”
In addition to her portraits, Ball creates artwork for many New York Times bestselling authors and is currently collaborating with a jewelry brand to create hand-painted bracelets and pendants.
Follow her on Instagram @ChloeScribbles to see where she’ll be painting next, or visit her website at ChloeBall.art.