We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lynn Goldstein a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lynn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I can’t remember anything that I ever wanted to do that didn’t involve an artistic pursuit. I studied ballet for over two decades, I played flute and piano, and I loved studying visual art, and making visual art. I got a fine art degree with the idea that I would work in some capacity in a creative field. So, I guess you could say I always knew.

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.

Intrigued by the world of art from a young age, my creative journey took root in the nurturing guidance of my first teacher—my mother, an artist herself. Our shared hours crafting, exploring museums, and immersing ourselves in various forms of creativity laid the foundation for my artistic passion. The Asian aesthetic she introduced me to continues to influence my work as well.

Following in my mother’s footsteps, I pursued a formal education in art and later into a 17-year career as a graphic designer, honing my compositional skills and an intuitive sense of color. Even during my graphic design tenure, I continued refining my technical abilities as a painter.

My artistic direction took a turn towards capturing landscapes after leaving graphic design. A deep connection with the environment fueled my exploration, and I studied with a number of well known landscape painters. Over two decades, I’ve also shared my knowledge, teaching adult learners and fostering artistic growth.

In 2018, a transformative urge led me to embrace abstraction, steering away from replication toward including more personal elements into my work. Transitioning from pastels to oils and acrylics, I found joy in the spontaneity of abstracted landscapes, starting with a blank surface and letting the piece evolve organically.

My teaching expanded into the digital realm in 2020, with a focus on online critique groups that empower students to sell their work and secure spots in juried shows. My “Hidden Gems” course, launched in 2022. The class challenges students to explore lesser-known artists and incorporate new techniques into their own creations, fostering a deeper appreciation for art.

I have also led painting workshops in France, Portugal, and Italy and am looking forward to teaching in France and Italy again this year where my students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture, and incorporate that experience into their art.

Collectors are captivated by my intuitive use of color, which defies conventional palettes. They appreciate my commitment to experimentation, utilizing unconventional tools such as trowels, sandpaper, bowl scrapers, and awls to create unique textures and effects in my art.

I take pride in my ever-evolving artistic journey, embracing change and pushing boundaries. My work isn’t just a visual experience; it’s an exploration of self-expression, a testament to the beauty found in continuous experimentation.

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

From my earliest memories, I’ve held the belief that my purpose on this earth is to positively impact others. I know it sounds goody-goody which is why it took decades to share with anyone! Strangely, it took me until adulthood to realize that creating and sharing my art could fulfill that mission. The turning point came fifteen years ago when a woman visiting my studio from Afghanistan, where she worked as an advocate for women’s rights, shared that my artwork made her feel peaceful. This moment crystallized for me that my art has the power to fulfill both my life’s mission and my artistic journey.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

During my college years, I encountered numerous professors who were overwhelmingly negative, particularly about my drawing abilities. Despite being repeatedly told to stop drawing, I absorbed their criticism. After graduation, I continued creating art in private. It was a single positive comment from a fellow artist friend that sparked a change. That encouragement prompted me to move forward and persist in refining my skills. Confidence in my work didn’t happen overnight, but surrendering to self-doubt was never an option.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lynngoldstein.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynngoldstein_art/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LandscapesbyLynn/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-goldstein-12085029/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCw8xxjQc0ov3srtIM1gc6fQ

Image Credits
©Lynn Goldstein