Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Laura Bladen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Laura, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

One of the first unexpected problems I faced as an emerging artist was when someone asked me to do a commission painting for them. This acrylic on canvas painting was a gift for this man’s son who had a small hot sauce business. I was asked to paint a representation of his bottles. I painted what I thought was a creative way to display the product. When I showed it to my client, he absolutely hated it! It wasn’t at all what he envisioned. I started over, and did a simple painting that included the product and the logo, the customer STILL was unhappy with the result, and I began to question my talent as an artist. In retrospect I have learned that I need to ask a LOT of questions to uncover exactly what the client wants; questions about their vision, the color palette, the dimensions of the piece and the style in which they want the subject matter portrayed.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

Art in any form has been a passion of mine for my entire life. I am sure that any “creative” type will tell you the same thing. Until recently I could never figure out a way to show my work or how to make money doing what I love. Thanks to the ” Art Matterz” group, founded by my good friend, Cindy Shepard, I have been able to learn from experts, things such as how to market my art, how to do simple bookkeeping, should I set up a DBA or an LLC, and many other practical aspects of the creative process The Art Matterz group has not only provided me with invaluable information, it is a great opportunity to connect with other Artists and craftspeople who share my journey.

In addition to selling my artwork, I teach acrylic painting on both canvas as well as other materials. We hold classes at Smart Parts and Art Shotz, both of which are in Hurst, TX. We have loads of fun and lots of laughs at these classes. I can assure that anyone can create something unique and personal even if you have never picked up a paint brush in your life! It is all about the process, the journey and the discovery more than the end result.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a part of the creative community is being around people who feel as I do about the artistic process even though they may express it in a different way. Each individual sees and experiences the world in a way that is unique to them, and it is inspiring to see those differences take shape in their art.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Everyone seeks the approval of others, even if we claim that we do not need validation. One of the most important lessons, and possibly the hardest to learn, is that not everyone is going to like what you have created, but that it is ok if someone doesn’t understand or like your work. All that matters is that you like it.

Many years ago, I started working with an interior designer who hired me to create paintings of her clients’ vacation photos. I was just beginning to feel confident in my abilities as an artist when someone very close to me, whom I loved and respected told me that they would never hang my art on their walls because they could afford real art. That careless and cruel statement caused me to put away my paints for a very long time. There was a little voice in my head which kept telling me that I was no good. Who did I think I was? Who was I kidding? I had no talent. It wasn’t until decades later, when I met and married someone who thought I WAS good enough, who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself that my life began to change dramatically. I am now at a point that I am OK if my Hubby doesn’t exactly bubble over with enthusiasm at one of my latest creations. I no longer take it personally (at least not too personally). I have learned to take every critique and every piece of unsolicited advice about my work and look at it objectively; could I have done something differently to improve the piece? Are they right in their criticism? If I think the suggestion has merit I’ll change what I have done, if not, I leave it alone and don’t second-guess myself.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: lauratorrebladen
• Facebook: lauratorrebladen
• Linkedin: Laura (Laura Beaurline) Bladen

Image Credits
Cindy Shepard Barbara Waters