Delicacy is the word that comes to mind when thinking about the work of Canadian pop-surrealist painter Heather Watts, both in subject and technique. Delicacy in the innocence of the characters haunting the paintings, tiny children or anthropomorphic creatures, linked to martyrs and Biblical imagery. The profusion of mischievous and whimsical detail in each painting will lead you to scrutinise them for long enchanting minutes, if not hours.

The fairytale worlds that Heather creates are soothing and call on dreams and contemplation, however there is also a clear narrative. Heather recognises that what inspires her creations is “that feeling, of being able to accept things just the way they are”.

Based near Vancouver, the self-taught artist is exhibiting her painting in North America (The Convergence, Group Exhibition at Copro Gallery, Santa Monica, CA from 22 March) and in Europe. She also shares her personal thoughts on artistic process in a poetic and inspiring private mailing list (more infos here).

Follow Heather Watts on her website and Facebook page.