How Does an Artist Balance Family, Work, and Creativity? — Louise Santucci

In this interview, we sit down with South African-born painter Louise Santucci, now based in London, who shares the story of how her art journey began and how it continues to shape her life today. From her early studies at Roodepoort Art College in 1999 to her present-day practice, she speaks openly about the ways she balances creativity with family and work, and how she finds meaning in her time in the studio.

She draws inspiration from her son’s work, weaving his creativity into her own to form something fresh while still staying true to her love of portraiture. Colour, energy, and connection are central to her process, and she explains how she knows a piece is coming together when the painted tones seem to respond to her, sparking a sense of joy that drives her forward.

Working mainly with oils, she also shares her enjoyment of experimenting with other mediums, and how the choice between palette knife and brush shifts the texture and pace of her work. At the same time, she is clear about the importance of staying grounded, reserving time in her week to paint while balancing her role as a wife and mother.

Looking ahead, she hopes her paintings will do more than decorate a space: she wants them to offer a sense of hope to those who live with them. And for those just beginning their own creative journey, she offers a piece of advice learned through experience: always paint for yourself first, because that is when the work carries its most authentic voice.

I was born in South Africa, studied art in Johannesburg, and now I am based in London. Working part-time surrounded by art, whilst being a wife and mother, I try to create in my spare time. Exploring the depths of my art and combining it with my child’s art to create something new, whilst I remain a portrait artist at heart. Instead of perfection, I wish for each piece to evoke positive emotion through its honest content, colour and design.

“This is the season to make beautiful things. Not perfect things but honest things…” -MHN

1. How did you get started in your art career?    

By attending Roodepoort Art College back in 1999.

2. When you’re creating something new, what makes you pause and say, This is working?

When the colours I paint after drawing up my subject speak to me. It creates a type of happy energy, connecting with my inner soul.

3. How do you balance your personal life with your art career?

Fortunately I only work part time so have 2 days a week to myself to create and paint whilst my husband’s at work and son’s in school.

4. How do you envision the future of your art and its impact on the world?  

My art has always been characterised by bright colours and joyful expressions, allowing it to hang on someone’s wall and give them the possibility of feeling hope while staring at it.

5. What mediums and techniques do you primarily work with?

Although I’ve experimented with acrylic and enjoy watercolour, my love for oils remains. I love the feel of using a palette knife, but I always seem to go back to using brushes.

6. Do you have any parting words of wisdom for our readers or aspiring artists?

Paint for yourself before you paint for your clients, and your work will speak for itself.

Louise Santucci’s work is about colour, connection, and the joy of creating pieces that bring warmth into everyday spaces. Through her journey, we learn that art does not always need to be perfect to hold meaning; it is about the process, the emotion it sparks, and the way it can brighten both the maker’s life and the lives of those who experience it. Balancing family, work, and painting, she shows that creativity can thrive when given time, space, and purpose.

To learn more about Louise, visit the links below.