Vale Life Mag: Art with a happy hit

Originally written and published in Vale Life Magazine by Sandra Smith, May 2025.

For Wendover artist Emily Underhill, provoking a “dopamine happy hit” — both for herself and those admiring her work, goes hand in hand with the therapeutic aspect of creativity. Naturally gravitating to bright colours, her instinctive paintings also reflect a love of the sun as well as the benefit of being in “my own zone.” In fact, as she explains more about her methods, it isn’t long before I’m appreciating the multi-layered thinking that lies behind a myriad of dynamic compositions.

“For me, the process is expressionistic. I begin with breath work and a three minute dance while playing a load of Motown. It’s amazing how quickly you can get in the zone! Once I’m in a good flow state, 40 to 60% of the time I work in layers. I often think painting is like writing — it’s an intuitive adventure rather than a certainty.”

After starting training and a career in the strategic world of advertising, art not only provides Emily with a creative outlet, it is also a grounding activity, a calming way of dealing with her surroundings. “Abstract art gives permission to explore something you are feeling, your perception of the world,” she says.

During a layering technique, Emily uses a “holy trinity” of acrylics followed by oil pastels and “really fun” spray paints. She intuitively sees patterns in her mark making, the formation of which is via a collection of objects including spatulas, kitchen utensils and crumpled up foil. Even titles come naturally. The idea then lives on, reinforcing how the work connects with her energy and intention.

In her dining room studio, housed in a cosy Edwardian house, works are pinned on the walls in temporary frames — knowing when to declare a piece finished is rarely a challenge and she is then able to walk away and open up to a new world. “There’s nothing else in my life that is as satisfying,” she smiles. “Art has always been a way to express myself. It’s also an incredibly nice way of connecting with people.”

With ambitions to organise local, possibly solo, exhibitions in the area over the summer, I sense that this likeable artist is destined for much wider success. “I come from a creative family and art started as a passion,” says Emily. “Then, when you start selling your work, that’s a weird, full circle moment, a product of me having a good time.”

Art makes this talented young woman happy. Take a look at her vibrant portfolio; I promise it will make you happy too.