Today we’d like to introduce you to Darla Lyon.
Darla, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have been a local professional artist for over 30 years. As a freelancer, my realistic style of work has been illustrations, graphic design, portraiture, murals, stippling and fine art commissions. I’ve used multiple media – oil, watercolor, acrylic, airbrush, faux painting, pencil, Prismacolor, photography and pen, and ink. I started painting bouquets in 2017 when my daughter got married. She left her bouquet with me to preserve while on their honeymoon. Knowing that it would not have the same beauty as the original, I took as many photographs as possible before beginning the preserving process.
The dried bouquet would be probably be displayed for a time until it would become dusty and eventually be stored away. So I decided to preserve it visually by printing the photo on a large canvas. Then I transformed the bouquet print into a custom artwork by painting oils over carefully chosen parts of the bouquet. I left some of the print showings, leaving it as a multi-media piece. The result was a stunning detailed, almost 3-D looking piece of art! When people see it, they have to ask if it’s a photo or a painting! I started Painted Bouquet Studio to provide the service of preserving a bouquet visually through print and paint as a work of art that can be displayed and enjoyed forever.
I have been offering the service to brides, but I can paint any bouquet for any occasion, It makes a great anniversary gift from husbands! Really any subject matter can be painted in this way, as long as I have a high-resolution photograph to start with. My canvas range from 12×12″ all the up to 36×36″. In addition to painting the bouquets, I continue to pursue different styles of painting and drawing – currently oil painting large colorful succulents. this combines my passion for plants and painting. My pursuit of creating art is ever ebbing and flowing, and I consider my bouquet paintings as a “gift” to brides who want to preserve a memory of one of the most special days in their lives.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Creating and selling art is never a straight and smooth path! It is not for the weak of heart! Apart from just refining my technique, the hardest part has been finding the ever elusive clients. Everyone absolutely loves the paintings, but many people don’t have a good photograph of their bouquet. I am telling brides to request a “portrait” bouquet. It is also hard to get the idea across to be creative. Put the bouquet a setting or grouped with other items from the wedding.. Portray the theme of the wedding. These paintings have more character and have even more layers of meaning. You can even place the bouquet of the dress as a background.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I have owned Lyon Design for 23 years and have provided many forms of art. I created Painted Bouquet Studio in 2017 when I started “preserving” bouquets visually through paint and print. I am owner and artist. With my many years of experience, I work with clients well in deciding what type of art they are wanting. I am most proud of my technique and skills that I have developed over many years of hard work! I also have a B.A. in Art History, so I understand art intellectually as well.
What were you like growing up?
I was very active and curious about everything! I loved to build things and loved making art any way I could. My first memory was hiding crayons in my baby bed and drawing on the walls while I was supposed to be napping. I even made mud sculptures and toothpick houses. I tried to make my brother dizzy by drawing lots of spirals, I set up a business drawing my sister’s doll portraits. Starting in 1st grade, my teachers would pull me out from regular class to have a special place to draw or paint for competitions. Needless to say, creating things is in my fabric and soul!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dlyonartist.wixsite.com/paintedbouquetstudio/info
- Email: dlyonartist@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dlyonartist/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://dlyonartist.wixsite.com/paintedbouquetstudio/info
- Other: https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/PaintedBouquetStudio/tools/listings
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