Artist by Nature

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” –Pablo Picasso

The favorite quote of local artist Hilary Brock reflects her deep desire to enliven the lives of others through art.

“My paintings are meant for those that are weary and need rest for their eyes, their minds, and their souls,” shares the Santa Barbara native, who began painting pictures depicting the area’s natural beauty to find relief from her stressful life as a CPA.

An artist by nature, Hilary worked in finance for nearly 2 decades “all the while dreaming about making art” before pursuing her passion.

“In college, I chose the safe path and majored in economics, even though my heart was in art,” she says. “I picked up my paintbrush again out of an inexplicable desire to create. I needed an outlet for my stress. At first it was meant for me, and then I realized it was for others as well.”

The creator of pieces with dreamy names like “Pink Skies and Starry Eyes,” “Freedom on my Mind: Montecito,” and “Miramar Magic Hour” draws inspiration from her hometown.

Her paintings reflecting “the raw natural beauty of Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez”—her favorite things to paint—evoke feelings of peace and calm.

“My favorite pieces are from my current series, ‘Freedom on my Mind,’ where I paint floating umbrellas in calm, serene settings. They make me feel unbound by anything, free of worry and stress. They are also playful and fun, which I need more of in my life,” she says.

Despite the challenges of trading in her stable, predictable career to fully invest in her art, Hilary thrives on living the artistic lifestyle.

“I love that no two days or projects are ever the same,” she says. “I’m always exploring and learning something new around every corner, and for a creative, that’s incredibly exciting.”

Among her newest projects is a series of paintings inspired by water and light.

“I’m fascinated by how light illuminates and changes our surroundings,” says Hilary, adding, “I’m having a ‘pink moment’ in my career. I’m very drawn to its soft but also bold quality as a color.”

As she develops her craft, Hilary points to lessons learned over time.

“I am learning to practice patience. The life of an artist is a marathon, not a sprint,” she says, noting her immense gratitude for her local mentors.

“I have had the pleasure of meeting with and learning from some of Santa Barbara’s most prestigious artists who have been so generous with their time and support,” including renowned Central California portraitist Teresa Mattos.

Hilary shares her wisdom with aspiring artists: "Make time to create your art as often as you can. You learn something new with each piece you do. Practice it frequently, and you will grow faster.”

And in art, as in life, “Comparison is the thief of joy,” notes Hilary. “I truly believe each of us has a unique purpose, and life is about finding yours, not someone else’s.”