Yellow House would like to extend a very warm welcome to Mia Underwood, the latest addition to the rosta of brilliant artists we represent.
Mia is half Danish and her work is deeply rooted in Scandiavian woodlands filled with mystery, magic and folklore romance, something that strongly comes across in her work. We were imediately drawn to her use of bright colours and her sense of pattern.
We asked Mia a few questions about herself and her art, read on to find out more about our latest recruit.
Trained or Self-taught Artist?
My dad is a professional well known artist called George Underwood - so I was taught how to draw and paint at a young age and given lots of lovely art materials to experiment with.
I went to Chelsea Art for Foundation, one of the life drawing teachers said to me now you must forget everything you have learnt which i was not keen on. I ended up doing Graphic and Media Design BA course at Elephant and Castle which was a hidden blessing as I was taught how to use all the amazing Adobe programs and this was back in the 1990’s when not many people owned a computer. During my BA degree I also won a place to study in New York F.I.T for 4 months which was really interesting to see how differently they teach in America and learn about Typography and page layouts. I really enjoyed swapping fonts with my fellow students.
How long have you been an artist for?
Since I could hold a pencil and make a mark. I initially wanted to be a Fine Artist but then thought graphic design and illustration is most probably a safer bet at getting a job. Although in the past decade I have gone back to oil painting, and I have been exhibiting my work in London, Brighton and Wadhurst.
I will have several pieces for sale at Do Not Obstruct’s ‘Cab Run 2’ 24th-26th February 2023
I have a solo show coming up ‘Wild Woods’ this May 2023 at Putney Pies, Putney, London.
How did your style evolve?
My style has evolved through the different mediums and tools I have learnt along my creative journey.
I have always been inspired by natureI I would say my greatest breakthrough was about 20 years ago when I taught myself how to use a Wacom pad in order to draw in Illustrator and Photoshop.
What mediums do you prefer?
Painting, I prefer Acrylic paint for quick results and for more fine art pieces I sometimes start off with acrylic and then work with oil paints. I have recently got into painting on antique pieces of wood which adds another element to the story.
Preferred subjects?
My work tends to include themes of nature and strength in adversity. I love painting/drawing birds and imagined worlds that could be seen as medieval times or some time in the future.
How would you describe your own work?
My illustration work I would say is highly creative and adaptable - I have many different styles depending on what project I am working on whether it is a Craft Beer label, creating a super hero for Book Trust, a huge prop for English National Opera, Starbucks keep-cup or creating a colourful animal head for an optician’s shop i will choose what medium and style will work for that specific job.
With my paintings I would say my work is slightly surreal and dreamlike. I want to give the viewer a sense of resolve and power when they look at my work. The story and mystery is for them to work out.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
I like sketching ideas and just letting my imagination run free without any distractions from the internet. I think that’s when my ideas are more magical and original.
Describe your perfect day:
I have been given time to be creative, the kids are happy at school, I have a lovely cup of coffee and a new Happy Place or Dr. Chatterjee podcast playing. I can then get into a really good creative flow with whatever project it is I am working on. Sometimes I find listening to music too jarring and time consuming to find the right track I am in the mood for listening to.
What piece of your work are you most proud of and why?
I think my recent big oil painting ‘The Guide’ 33 x 46 inches (which has sold) on an old drawing board. That took a lot of time and passion to create. I would like to create a whole series of paintings like this for an exhibition, I just need to find a lovely gallery.
Have you done any interesting commissions? Or done work for anyone notable?
Many! I have done many wonderful private commissions for someone’s home.
Including The Snoopy Project https://miaunderwood.co.uk/#/snoopy-project/
which involved creating intricate digital illustrations masked by a Snoopy silhouette, the artwork was then sent to a company to be printed and laser cut onto perspex, gallery finish. Each 1 meter tall, with a different story within.
English National Opera prop design for Jack the Ripper. I designed and illustrated a stained glass window with a magpie, this was such an amazing achievement - 5.5 x 5.5metres. The leading of the stained glass was laser-cut out of wood and the glass effect was printed and laser-cut onto perspex. I cried with happiness when I saw it on stage during the opera, it was enormous, and made such a great impact.
https://miaunderwood.co.uk/#/the-english-national-opera/
Which piece of work has attracted the most attention?
Possibly my recent work I did for MiiR and Starbucks keep cup that is selling in Europe, Middle East and Africa!
What’s your favourite thing to illustrate?
Imaginary scenes with made-up characters showing a snippet of a story to draw the audience in. I also love drawing powerful colourful animals to give us a feeling of empowerment and strength.
What would your dream project be?
To create a range of products for a well-known brand
Who would be your dream client?
A company who loves my work and we have a great time creating beautiful products together
Who or what is your biggest source of inspiration?
It has to be my dad, he always surprises me every time I visit him, he says ‘ Want to see the painting I have been working on?’ I love going up to his studio and seeing what new painting he has created. He is so prolific, I dream of being able to just focus on painting one day.
My other source of inspiration whilst I am working is listening to podcasts, I love listening to The Jealous Curator. Canadian artist Danielle Krysa interviews all kinds of artists and asks them about their struggles and how they succeeded.
What motivates you to be an artist?
It’s the therapeutic creative process I love, sometimes it can be an easy flow and other times it can be tricky. The end result is so rewarding as it records a moment in my creative journey.
Which is your favourite Yellow House Art Licensing artist & why?
Mique Moriuchi is an amazing artist, I went to Bologna book fair with her and a mutual friend many years ago and immediately fell in love with her characters in scenes made from paper, such a beautiful handmade process, and she is such a lovely lady too ;-)
What's been your biggest mistake/cock-up?!
Not understanding contracts and realising the payment for the project is not as good as you thought it was, such a horrible feeling.
What's on your drawing-board/ in your kiln / on your easel / etc. right now?
I have several paintings on the go as I am building up some work for a solo show this May at Putney Pies, London. and, I will be exhibiting at Cab Run 2 art exhibition in Brighton 24th - 26th February 2023.
The painting on my easel right now is of two herons in a dreamy scene with a weeping willow in the background on a reclaimed antique wooden drawer. I love sourcing different pieces of unusual wood to do my next paintings on.
What’s been your biggest challenge? Having children and rediscovering who I am and what do I want to achieve in my creative career and how to make money?? Juggling too many things to do in the day, I get a lot of overwhelm. I have found the Artist Way ‘Morning Pages’ written first thing in the morning is a great way to get your mind into a positive mindset and ready for the day.
As well as being an amazing artist, do you have any other hidden talents?
I have a new love for gardening - it is such a visual reward after all the hard work to see the flowers emerge from a long cold winter is always a surprise and delight each year. Although I hate weeding.
Oh and I love doing Hiit sessions in the gym, which enables me to work at my desk for more hours.
Do you have any top tips for being an artist that you can give us?
I have recently LOVED doing ‘morning pages’ from The Artist Way. It helps to get the creative juices flowing and a great start to your day. You don’t need to be an artist to do it.
I also love doing workshops as you know as long as you turn up you will create something new and wonderful at the end of it as well as meeting new arty people.
Do you have a favourite paintbrush or tool?
Yes! I love tiny tiny insey winsey brushes for my detailed paint work.
For my digital illustration I obviously love my Wacom pad for working in Illustrator and Photoshop and Procreate on my Ipad has been a massive game changer!
What’s your favourite joke?
Most of them are obscure and very rude. Although how about this one?
What time does Sean Connery arrive at Wimbledon?
Around Tennish
Boom! Boom!