Street Style: Meet Judy Heiser
Judy Heiser is so humble that she will never be the one to tell you how cool she is, so we couldn’t wait to feature her here. As I’m writing this, Joanne from our team is in the background saying, “I love her. She is one of the coolest women I know.” A longtime friend and client, Judy has an incredibly interesting background, many unique talents, and a passion for the Alexandria community. We’re excited to share some of her story with you here.Prior to purchasing her first home in Old Town twenty years ago, Judy toured nationally as a professional dancer. When the company performed in D.C., she fell in love with the city: the Smithsonian, the history, the art and architecture. After dancing in Japan, she returned to California, where she’s from originally, and began doing disaster work with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), helping manage riots, floods, earthquakes, fires, and hurricanes (you know — casual things). Later, she transferred to work with headquarters in D.C., and the rest is history. Now, Judy lives in a spectacular waterfront home with her husband, three busy kids, and four pets. She is involved with Alexandria community theater in many ways, serving as a director, choreographer, set designer, and more. She also teaches recreational art therapy at Mount Vernon Hospital. In her words, “Performing arts and visual arts have my heart, and I love to teach and share whenever I can.”One of the coolest things about Judy is that she is an incredible artist (you should check out her website). She describes her work as follows: “My painting technique is Contemporary in format with many newer mediums on the market today, though I also use ancient mediums such as wax encaustic, charcoal, inks, and, of course, oils. I begin the process with a loose narrative sketch, building up the story right on the canvas, turning the canvas and evolving the narrative. Then I paint the lines and pulling shapes that design a unique composition, layering and glazing color while simplifying the canvas with a journey. My inspiration is from places I go including water and skies; or people I meet, or observe such as spectators watching a baseball game, engaged, yet also pensive in their own world…I will sketch anywhere, paint plein air…but it is in my studio that I let loose, paint big, and experiment having all kinds of fun.”Judy paints the town.
Photography: Sarah Marcella Creative
Styled by: The Hive
ABOUT YOU
How do you spend your time? Painting, exploring, and observing real estate and landscapes
Neighborhood: Wellington
How long have you lived in Alexandria: 20 years
What is your hometown? Costa Mesa, California
What brought you to Alexandria? Doing disaster work with FEMA
You’re a superhero: what’s your superpower? To fly; and lay a giant blanket over the world to grant peace, rest, and relaxation
Last book read or movie seen: Leonardo Da Vinci by Walter Isaacson, The Greatest Showman
Guilty Pleasure: Orange Chocolate Chocolate Chip at The Creamery
Phrase you overuse: Just do it
Facebook or Instagram? Instagram
Latest binge-watch: The Crown
Bucket list travel destination: Barcelona
If you only could have one for the rest of your life: wine or coffee? Wine
FASHION
Define your style in three words or less: Comfortable, interesting, fun
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: Cashmere sweater
Favorite trend ever: Platform sandals with everything
Favorite current trend: Heeled sandals with everything
Beauty product you can’t live without: Eyeliner
Heels or flats? Heels
HOME
Favorite room in your home: Studio
Antiques, modern, or a mix? All modern
Last item bought for your home: Cobalt sofa
Next planned purchase: A trendy jacket to dress up a casual outfit
Favorite way to entertain: Backyard BBQ and pool party with a lot of kids and dogs
Clutter-free or well lived-in? Clutter-free zone, though with three kids and four pets, it’s just a pipe dream
Wallpaper -- yes, totally modern or no, so dated: New, modern wallpapers with unique textures are gorgeous
FITNESS
Your go-to work-out: Sally’s Sculpt and Stretch in Belle Haven Shopping Center
Most fun way to exercise: Paddle boarding
Group exercise or solo: Need both
Fitness goal: Stay strong
Proudest fitness achievement: Toning my upper arms, shoulders, and back
ALEXANDRIA
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Founders Park
Last purchase in Alexandria: Jeans and blouse at The Hive
Best coffee / happy hour / date night spot: Hanks / Virtue, sitting outside
Favorite charity: ArtSpire, VA
Favorite annual Alexandria event: Alexandria Art Festival