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

Lauren, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents always encouraged me in the arts. Our childhood included numerous visits to the Philadelphia Art Museum. Even if money was tight, art supplies were always readily available. My mother never complained about the numerous messes made around the house by paper cuttings, glitter, paint, etc. We had numerous art books at our disposal and were encouraged and supported in any of our artistic ventures.

Lauren, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a fine artist who enjoys painting portraits, figures and landscapes. I work mostly in oil paint but have also painted in egg tempera and have even done a little digital painting on the ipad. I enjoy the process of creating a painting and my education at the University of Delaware with an emphasis on traditional materials and techniques created a solid foundation for creating lasting paintings for my collectors. I continued my studies at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine arts where I had the opportunity to study with the acclaimed Patrick Connors, Sydney Goodman and Vincent Desiderio, among countless other excellent instructors. I feel most encouraged when my paintings touch a person’s spirit. Whether I am creating a portrait of someone’s family member, as I had the great honor to do so for the Emanuel Nine or a landscape painting that elicits a remembrance or feeling for someone. One moment I am extremely proud of was when I was awarded 1st place in the prestigious Art Renewal International Salon. That particular painting spoke to a person who was grieving the loss of her husband and was greatly comforted by it. That is why I continue to create art. I currently exhibit with the long-standing F.A.N. Gallery in Philadelphia. At the present moment, I have relocated to a farm on WV where I am learning regenerative farming practices and hope to soon paint many of the stunning landscapes in WV.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I believe my mission in art is, as Johann Sebastian Bach signed all his musical compositions, soli deo gloria, or for God’s glory alone. If I can bring beauty and truth, even if that truth at times is mingled with sorrow, into the lives of the people who view and own my paintings, I will know my time was well spent.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

There are many incredible atelier type programs for artists, I was unaware of these when I was starting my educational journey but I believe they are invaluable resource to new and experienced artists alike. Many now have online classes. That is one resource I wish I had taken greater advantage.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.laurentilden.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentildenart/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurentildenartist/