Hi :) I'm Luisa Freitas and I do Illustration and 2D Animation. My illustrations are created using traditional art methods like pencil drawing, watercolour, oil pastel and acrylic painting. My animations are made using digital drawing and on occasion I use traditional drawings that are converted into animation.
In my practice I also do public art projects with local communities and organisations, to promote creative practice with the general public and produce artworks made by the locals, with focus on inclusivity and breaking barriers to accessing art.
I also run workshops with families, children and elderly groups. I teach different forms of traditional art, and how to make Acrylic, Oil and Tempera paint from soil, as well as other Arts and Crafts activities like Collage, Resin Casting and Printmaking.

My work often revolves around the human form and the exploration of shapes and textures, with a focus on emotional expression. Each piece is centred around a theme with the figure being a core component of visual storytelling. Some themes I worked on are about mental health and the struggles that come with healing, in the format of self portraits.
Other works series are on live model drawing with models of all ages and backgrounds.

My current project is a series of coloured drawing on A2 paper about ballerina's feet, depicting them exposed and showing the hardships ballet dancers endure to create a beautiful artform. The focus of the series is to show the perseverance and strength of the dancers, which inspires me and fascinates me.

In my community projects I work on different themes that are focused on connecting the public with art practice. Such as the 'Coventry banners 2022' art exhibition. This project was a collaborative community art installation inspired by the Turner Prize 2021 and the actions of Array Collective (Turner Prize 2021 winners), combining textile art pieces made by the citizens of Coventry reflecting personal messages and reflections on the world around them. I worked with 300 citizen participants and ran art workshop sessions to help them create their banners with painting, sewing and collage techniques. Their works where exhibited at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.

I also do commissioned illustrations and portraits. And have illustrated children's books in both traditional and digital drawing.