lainyart

[lainyart]

I've loved creating on wood this past year and used that newfound passion to make a special gift for someone I love very much, my mom.

On many occasions, we've woken up before the sun to travel to a cold field in the fall to watch dozens of hot air balloons slowly fill with fire-heated air and rise from the grass into the sky. No matter how many times I see it, it still feels magical...

Created with Panpastels, soft pastels, pastel pencils and charcoal on natural walnut wood.

[lainyart]

Your little reminder (and mine!) Daylight savings is this weekend for my fellow US peeps. Enjoy your extra hour of sleep!

[lainyart]

Happy Halloween!🦇🕷

I hope you have a super spooky, fun day! (Created with Panpastels, Carbothello and Derwent Pastel pencils, charcoal, and white acrylic paint)

[lainyart]

It's national Cat day!! Perfect excuse to share pics of your little felines in the comments 🐱 (My portraits were created with Panpastel, pastel pencils, and charcoal on Strathmore charcoal paper)

[lainyart]

It's almost been a year since I started creating ornaments and I have been having a blast! So many sweet little faces <3 The holiday season is already ramping up and I'm so excited to see who I will get to draw next. If you'd like one to gift or for your own tree, let me know!

[lainyart]

The colorful Doors of Dublin As someone who doesn't travel but loves to learn, this was a fun, new educational experience for me! Instead of listening to music as I worked on this one, I queued up a couple documentaries about Ireland, Dublin, these doors and the story behind them:

"Ireland was colonized by the English and when Queen Victoria, nicknamed the “famine queen" in Ireland, died, the Irish were told to paint their doors black in mourning. In rebellion, they painted them in bright colors."

That spirit stuck with me as I kept creating and reveling in those bright colors - I hope you enjoy them too.

Created with Panpastels, pastel pencils, charcoal, and ink on Strathmore 500 charcoal paper.

Original sold - Prints available on my Etsy

[lainyart]

This bright and beautiful soul is Raquel. I had so much fun drawing her, especially with the colorful background that matches her spirit. I think I smiled through the whole drawing process and her portrait still makes me smile every time I see it. Created with Pastel pencils, panpastels and charcoal on Strathmore 500 series charcoal paper. Holiday portraits are already underway, so if you're planning a gift please message me to get started!

[lainyart]

It’s always strange to take an unannounced break from social media and then pop back in. I wish I had one simple reason to tell you why, other than: Life is hard. And being open about those difficulties is hard, too. It’s tricky to find the balance between sharing bright spots and falling into toxic positivity when things aren’t always so bright …. and when I can’t find that balance, I fall into the old bad habit of not sharing at all. So today I’ll share two quick truths just to ‘break the ice’: 🩹My health is not my wealth and I battle my body’s failings daily. 🌸 My life is full of family, sunshine, color and beautiful fluffy creatures and I am SO lucky. I hope this spring has been kind to you so far, you deserve it. ❤️ (little clip of my painting space on a breezy day)

[lainyart]

I'm so excited to share a bunch of new work this year! First up is this baby that has the right idea for the day - bundled up in blankets. The deep freeze isn't quite done with Colorado yet. Another chilly weekend is brewing❄️ Think I'll stay with my blankets, too! I'm open for commissions - Big and small ❤️ DM to get started!

--Created with Panpastels, pastel pencils, charcoal, on Strathmore charcoal paper--

[lainyart]

Happy Monday! I know this time of year is full of resolutions and big goals - this year my goal is focused on peace: Stilling my mind and structuring my life in a way that takes away little stresses so the big picture is clearer. Drawing and sketching is a big part of that for me. Mindfulness and slowing down can be hard in this world but this is my FAVORITE way to do it.

Do you have favorite ways of slowing down? Little bits of stillness throughout your day?

(created with General's charcoal, panpastels on Strathmore toned paper)

[lainyart]

It's that time of year again! Art vs Artist is going around so here's some of my favorites! I'm so excited for the new year and all the new art I'll get to create and share in it.

[lainyart]

I'm so excited to start sharing more of these as they are gifted! They've been so fun to create and see people's reactions! This cutie is Scout ❤️

[lainyart]

Happy Winter Solstice! Tonight will be the longest night of the year so I thought I'd celebrate with this nighttime landscape created with pastels. I hope you're all having a good countdown to the holidays!

[lainyart]

It’s my birthday today and I’m exhausted and entirely GRATEFUL. I’ve been indulging in a crammed-full schedule of creation, going 12+ hours each day and my soul knows this is where I belong. This is where my heart is happiest: seeing people thrilled and near tears with what I create for them to gift to their loved ones.

I write down the name of every person and pet I draw for and my little white board is full. Full of names and faces I get to learn and study and draw. I’m elated at each finished piece. I can’t really put in to words the fulfillment that brings.

I love this.

I love this work and seeing how much it means to others.

As I near the end of this busy holiday season, I’m SO Thankful for each and every person who chose me to create something special to gift. I’m SO honored that you chose to support me, so that I can keep doing what I love. With every bit of my heart, THANK YOU so much! ❤️

[lainyart]

The weather keeps teasing snow and I'm SO looking forward to it! I'm also looking forward to sharing some of my new work soon (just as soon as they've been gifted!) Until then, I'll just brighten your feeds with some original favs ❄️ Hope you're all having a good day 💙💜

[lainyart]

This cozy elder rescue is Rick - a wonderful reminder that adopting the older, wiser kitties is full of rewarding experiences!

If you happen to be looking for a new furry family member this holiday season, don't skip over the older ones. They have SO much to give 💕

Rick's portrait was created with Panpastels, Derwent Pastel pencils, and general's charcoal on Strathmore 500 series charcoal paper.

[lainyart]

Thank you all so much for the support you've shown this season - it means the world! As a thank you, I'm a running a big sale 🛒 🎁 Thank you for supporting artists and other small businesses today, I wouldn't be able to keep doing what I love without you. ❤️ SHOP