Meet the Artist
Artist Bio
Vanessa Henderson is a mixed media painter whose work often depicts figures moving through vibrant worlds. She has a bachelor's degree in graphic design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. After a successful 15 year design career, Vanessa transitioned from corporate life to full-time artist, and is a graduate of the Milan Art Institute.
Inspired by post-expressionism, speculative fiction, nature, and graphic design, Vanessa’s paintings use bright color, texture, shape, and mixed media to create expressive, layered environments. Her work combines narrative concepts with contemporary painting techniques, influenced by themes of curiosity and bravely navigating unfamiliar possibilities.
A decade living in Seattle greatly shaped her love for landscapes and storytelling. After the pandemic, Vanessa and her family returned to Cleveland, Ohio, where she currently paints from her home studio.
Statement
My work explores vibrant worlds through layered mixed media techniques. I’m often drawn to figures bravely navigating unfamiliar terrain that explore themes of curiosity, resilience, wonder, and a sense of possibility.
I build paintings through thoughtful color and loose mark-making. Imagery and narrative emerge through the use of a variety of mediums including: graphite, spray paint, paint markers, acrylics, and oils.