Local resident and artist Naila Hazell has completed a series of delicate autumnal mural paintings to connect shop fronts along West Kensington's Blythe Road.
Naila, 42, moved to the UK 15 years ago from Baku in Azerbaijan and pursued a career in figurative contemporary art. Eventually, she found a new home for her art in her Hammersmith Road based studio in 2020.
Blythe Road is her first mural project. She was commissioned by Lulu Gwynne, owner of the street's Awaken London, to connect the café and neighbouring businesses with "one wave of art". The murals can be seen on the windows of Blythe Road bakery Debbie Jo, gift shop Honeybunch and rug store Sophie Cooney Runners among other businesses.
To create the pieces Naila initially sketched out yellow plants and green leaves, inspired by 19th century London artist William Morris and the autumn season. She explained:
[Lulu] wanted to bring the local community together and bring a nice vibe to the street. While I was painting murals on the windows, locals passed by and said it was beautiful. I loved working on the glass because it's smooth. People were standing behind me saying, 'Wow you could be a surgeon' because I was working softly with the brush to paint the leaves. I enjoyed that."
Local support
Naila said it's important to showcase local artists in Hammersmith & Fulham, and their work benefits the whole community.
"Everyone is happy. When you walk down [Blythe Road], it really gives a nice vibe. It's really cosy and friendly."
She added: "Local artists have to be seen. I create art for the public. My paintings are about emotions and about expressions, mine is figurative art."
Naila used her own art supplies to paint the windows and was reimbursed for her work by art supplier, based in nearby Wood Lane.
"My own materials are so expensive. I didn't expect [Colart] were going to send me three big boxes [of supplies]. I'm so thankful," she said.
See more photos of the murals.
Mural, anyone?
After enjoying the mural project so much, Naila said she is available to work with other local businesses.
"I have the skill, why don't we use that. So I'm happy to be part of any project - I can do murals, writings, paintings."
You can contact Naila through her website.
Naila was taught by Soviet social realism painter Boyukagha Mirzazade while completing an MA at the Azerbaijani Fine Arts Academy. She is now continuing her work in the UK and preparing for a solo exhibition in the coming year. Keep an eye out for news on her Instagram account.
