Upcoming Events
Exhibitions, markets, open studio days, and workshops
Gulfport Plein Aire Festival
Gulfport, FL
Painting all week long on location at the Gulfport Plein Aire Festival — come watch the work come to life over the course of the week all over Gulfport and make sure to catch the show to take a piece home!
Bulls & Brews — Live Painting
USF Alumni Event
Painting live at Bulls & Brews Bay — a fun evening of art, community, and creativity. Come hang out and watch a painting unfold in real time!
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Affiliations
Local art communities and organisations Hemma is proud to be part of
Gallery
Original paintings, plein aire studies, and studio works
Plein Aire
Painted on location — capturing the moment as light and air change around me
Studio
Works developed over time in the quiet of the studio
Other Works
Mixed media, experimental pieces, and collaborations
About The Artist
The story behind the brushstroke
Hemma Papp
Artist & Creator
Where Colour Finds Its Voice
Hemma Papp is an expressive fine artist native to Florida. Her work is rooted in a deep connection to place, nature, community, and lived experience.
"I create with intention and joy as an act of resistance."
Hemma creates original paintings inspired by Florida landscapes, community spaces, whimsy, and the emotional texture of everyday life. Her paintings layer color with intention and explore light and movement through a series of color washes, bold gestural marks, and delicate details that reward a closer look. She paints both en plein aire and in studio, but finds the highest inspiration in the spontaneous light of day with the energy of community connection woven throughout the works.
Through resilience shaped by decades of chronic illness, her work reflects a commitment to living boldly and creating with intention regardless of limitation. She hopes that her work and the constant choice to create inspires others to explore their own passions and live life on the colorful side!
Hemma lives in sunny St. Petersburg, FL, but is often found amongst the geckos of Gulfport, FL en plein aire!
Blog
Stories from the studio, paintings in progress, and creative musings
Gulfport Florida Plein Aire Festival 2026!
Painting all week at the 7th Annual Gulfport Plein Air Festival — April 13–18, 2026. Blog post coming soon!
Read MoreMichael's Buy 1, Get 2 Free!
There is a very specific type of "Artist Zen" that occurs when your creative needs and the universe's timing finally decide to shake hands...
Read MoreMy First Ever Art Show
February 5th was a date for the history books. It marked my first-ever art show at the Hickman Theatre for the Gulfport Plein Aire Artists Reception...
Read MoreWhy I Paint Outdoors: The Magic of Plein Aire
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when you step out of the four walls of your house and into the open air — a radical, intentional act of choosing joy.
Read MoreLife is a Canvas: A 2025 Year in Review
If I had to sum up this year in a single phrase, it would be radical re-emergence. This year brought a whirlwind of "life" happening all at once — and I decided to stop negotiating with self-doubt and chase joy instead.
Read MoreContact The Artist
"Art is the most beautiful of all connections — it bridges distances and speaks directly to the soul. Every piece I create is an invitation to share that connection with you." — Hemma Papp
Let's Connect
Commission Requests
Commission requests are warmly welcomed! When reaching out, please include as much detail as possible about your vision — this helps me bring your idea to life with the care it deserves. Helpful details include:
- A reference photo or description of the subject
- Your desired size (e.g. 9×12", 16×20", or metric equivalent)
- Your preferred medium (watercolour, acrylic, mixed media, etc.)
- Any colour preferences or décor context
- Your timeline or occasion, if relevant