Hi Laura, can you give our readers an introduction to your business?
Hello! I’m Laura, artist and owner of Laura King Paints. I create original paintings inspired by nature and custom pet portraits. I turn many of my original paintings into stickers, greeting cards, lunar calendars, art prints, and more. I love being outside in nature and am always happiest when surrounded by animals. I pull my inspiration from animals, bugs, and plants that I find and love. I paint with tiny brushes and bright, bold colors and I hope that my work helps people find beauty in the little details, or simply makes them smile!
Hello! I’m Laura, artist and owner of Laura King Paints. I create original paintings inspired by nature and custom pet portraits. I turn many of my original paintings into stickers, greeting cards, lunar calendars, art prints, and more. I love being outside in nature and am always happiest when surrounded by animals. I pull my inspiration from animals, bugs, and plants that I find and love. I paint with tiny brushes and bright, bold colors and I hope that my work helps people find beauty in the little details, or simply makes them smile!
In your own words, how would you define success as a maker and artist?
To me, success as an artist and maker happens when you’re able to find joy in every step of the creative process. When art becomes a business and a means of profit, it’s easy to lose sight of why we love to create in the first place, to compare ourselves to other artists, and to focus on what we think will sell instead of what we want to make. I try not to latch on to trends, but to focus on painting subjects I find interesting, even if I worry that other people might think they’re strange, like moths, praying mantises, and snails. When you create with a sense of curiosity and excitement, it comes through in the final piece. Plus, there’s bound to be people out there who will love the subjects as much as you do!
To me, success as an artist and maker happens when you’re able to find joy in every step of the creative process. When art becomes a business and a means of profit, it’s easy to lose sight of why we love to create in the first place, to compare ourselves to other artists, and to focus on what we think will sell instead of what we want to make. I try not to latch on to trends, but to focus on painting subjects I find interesting, even if I worry that other people might think they’re strange, like moths, praying mantises, and snails. When you create with a sense of curiosity and excitement, it comes through in the final piece. Plus, there’s bound to be people out there who will love the subjects as much as you do!
Let’s say your friend is visiting the area and wants to see your favorite hangout spots, what are some local places you’d want to show them? Places to eat, drink, visit etc.
My favorite places to eat and drink are Galaxy Hut in Arlington, Virginia for grilled cheese and cider, Nicecream in Arlington, Virginia for liquid nitrogen frozen ice cream (I worked there for a few years and it’s unmatched), and Busboys and Poets throughout the DMV for any meal. My favorite places to go with visitors are the D.C. Botanical Gardens, the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens to see the lotus and waterlily blooms in the summer, the C&O Canal for a nice walk, and Butler’s Orchard for fruit picking and an amazing local market.
My favorite places to eat and drink are Galaxy Hut in Arlington, Virginia for grilled cheese and cider, Nicecream in Arlington, Virginia for liquid nitrogen frozen ice cream (I worked there for a few years and it’s unmatched), and Busboys and Poets throughout the DMV for any meal. My favorite places to go with visitors are the D.C. Botanical Gardens, the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens to see the lotus and waterlily blooms in the summer, the C&O Canal for a nice walk, and Butler’s Orchard for fruit picking and an amazing local market.
Is there something coming up you'd like to promote?
Be on the lookout for new products launching later this year including botanical paintings with hummingbirds, butterflies, and other creatures. I've just come out with recycled paper cards! You can follow along with my progress and watch the painting process on Instagram or TikTok @laurakingpaints
Be on the lookout for new products launching later this year including botanical paintings with hummingbirds, butterflies, and other creatures. I've just come out with recycled paper cards! You can follow along with my progress and watch the painting process on Instagram or TikTok @laurakingpaints
Find Laura King Paints online at https://www.etsy.com/shop/laurakingpaints/ and on instagram and tik tok at @laurakingpaints
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All images and artwork are copyright by the maker, unless stated otherwise.
