Bayscape oil painter creating
serene art for nature admirers.

Hello there,

My name is Harriet Monzon-Aguirre.

I am an artist and aspiring surface pattern designer, creating art out of
Bahia Studios in the quaint City of Safety Harbor, Florida.

Longing to belong is the perpetual brushstroke in my artistic practice.

My creative process connects me to nature and roots me to my environment.
I go on adventures from neighbourhood walks to exploring State Parks. Camera at the ready, I take reference photographs, return to my home studio and re-immerse myself in that scenery by painting with oils. My goal is to express the emotions felt when connecting with my surroundings. Highlighting the beauty of each scene I paint, from the reflected clouds on mirror still water to the protective mangroves, reminds us to have a deeper appreciation for nature. 

WHAT I DO

I moved to Tampa Bay in 2011, and have been a resident of Safety Harbor for the past seven years. During this time I set aside my artistic practice and put my attention on family. I worked for a wine and spirits portfolio management company which helped me gain many skills. However, the pandemic and a great loss reignited my ambition to pursue my dream of creating as a career; with a focus on painting oil reflections of the Florida landscapes and seascapes. I am a member of the Dunedin Fine Art Center, and my work is on permanent display at the Tides Market in downtown Safety Harbor.

  • Inspired by luminist landscape paintings, I use thin layers of oil and blend my brushstrokes to capture the essence of the scenery.

  • I am a 2022 Immersion Alumni. I took the course for a variety of reasons and the experience has been transformative.

  • Every request for a original works with a particular person or space in mind is a commission, but I see them as collaborations. Gifts for loved ones, office decor, small paintings, and large murals, each idea is worth exploration.

I am a mother of three bright-eyed wonderful children.
I write a blog about our adventures to museums and art galleries.
I was born in England.
I grew up on the island of Barbados.
I have an MFA from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne where I worked on paintings, collages, and was first introduced to screen printing.
My current dream is to continue to build my oil collection and also make unique patterns connected to specific places; I have completed 4 collections so far.

A BIT ABOUT ME