We recently connected with Lissa Scotland and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lissa, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

The first painting I ever sold was one I made in the first college painting class I ever took. A woman named Jen bought it for $300, and I could not believe it! I thought, “I can make money doing this?”

At the time, I was a lost 23 year old girl, trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. In college I dabbled in everything from journalism to nutrition courses, but never thrived. Depression and anxiety kept me more focused on where the classroom exit was rather than what was being taught. When I began taking that painting class, I found solace from the noise inside my head.

Selling that first painting opened up a world to me. I began painting not only as a way of expressing and healing myself, but as a way to provide a (small but mighty!) income for myself. What a dream! More than the monetary gains, I started to gain a self-worth each time a painting would sell. It was the start of my process of becoming the confident artist I am today. Thank you Jen!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am an abstract acrylic painter living in gorgeous Duluth, Minnesota. I have over 20 years experience playing with layers of bold paint and expressiveness, most often in botanical form. My process is simply to let it all out on the canvas, and then figure out a way to bring it together. A style I call, “A Beautiful Mess”. What started out as a way for me to deal with mental health issues, has become a way for me to connect with others. Painting brings me life!

Over the years, my work has been shown in several galleries throughout the Midwest. Most recently, I was honored to have a piece chosen to be a part of the “Vision Northland” program that provides artwork for the new Essential Health hospital in Duluth. I have been having fun connecting with art collectors through my social media, as well as having a couple of art shows a year.

When I am not painting, I’m trying to keep up with my husband and two young daughters!

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I just think creatives are SO brave. To put one’s artwork out into the world (especially the scary space of social media) is really nerve wracking. I have gained so much confidence from just saying “screw it”, and letting my work speak for itself whether it is well received or not. It’s really empowering.

Whenever someone says to me, “I could never paint,” or “I don’t have any artistic talent,” I just don’t believe it. I think that everyone has it, It comes down to either:

a) Having zero interest in art.
or
b) Being BRAVE enough to express it.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I hadn’t been great about documenting my past work, and that makes me sad. I recently started a website, and I wish I had done that sooner. It’s a way for me to archive paintings and show potential clients what I have done. I created the website on my own, through square space. It is very affordable and I am able to add paintings at my own leisure. A website is a must!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lissapaints.com
• Instagram: Lissapaints
• Facebook: Lissa Hase Scotland Art
• Other: Threads: Lissa Scotland Art