I recently came across the most beautiful Instagram account called Plaid Paper (@PlaidPaper) filled with whimsical water colours of horses, dogs and cosy homes. If you haven’t seen Plaid Paper already, stop what you are doing and head across right now!
I knew instantly that I wanted to learn more about the talented woman behind those stunning works. I was super excited when Lynn agreed to answer a few of my questions.
When did you first start illustrating?
I have loved art ever since I was little, and I remember beginning to illustrate in elementary school and continued throughout high school and college. I am definitely “left brained” and I’ve always excelled at writing and the arts as opposed to math or science, so I really enjoy being creative.
I continued to draw and paint in college, majoring in communications with a concentration in graphic design. I focused primarily on oil painting inspired by impressionists like Monet, Cezanne, and Claus. Upon graduating, I did visit my “dream” art school, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Georgia with an interest in pursuing an MA in illustration, but ultimately decided to join the workforce. Now I use my writing and digital media skills working as a marketing professional, specializing in copywriting which I really enjoy.
What inspires your work/what is your favourite thing to illustrate?
There are so many inspiring artists out there… photographers, interior designers, bloggers, content curators, and fellow illustrators… and I can absolutely say they all inspire me. I keep a list of ideas to illustrate in the notes section on my phone so when something comes to me, or I see something, I can write it down to refer to later.
I love illustrating animals (especially horses, of course), but I also love interior design, architecture, and nature… there’s so much! I like drawing people as well but I tend to avoid drawing in-depth facial features since they can look a little too cartoon-y. I feel like I’m still exploring my niche but I’m liking the whimsical style I’ve developed.
Can you tell us about how you create your work?
I took a very long break from creating art; it really took a backseat to work and other hobbies like riding after graduating college. I only recently began using an iPad and the app, ProCreate to illustrate and to me, the biggest difference of using my iPad is convenience. I work from 8-5 and typically ride after work so it’s usually late by the time I get home, eat dinner, and shower. The thought of pulling out paper, paints, brushes, and other materials at the end of a long day sounds like a lot! While it’s definitely a learning curve using a stylus on a digital device and doesn’t offer the type of control that you have with regular ink and watercolor, I really love the convenience factor.
Can you tell us a bit about your riding?
People are always surprised to learn that I did not really start riding until later in college, and I did not pursue it seriously until after I graduated. I started riding an adorable “steady-eddy” quarter horse, whom my mom now rides, and he taught me everything from posting the trot up through the 2’ baby green hunters. I purchased my Thoroughbred gelding in 2015 and he challenged me in ways I didn’t know possible, but he taught me so much and I loved him. Heartbreakingly, I lost him to complications of colic surgery in October 2017 and I purchased my horse Remi shortly thereafter.
Tell us about your horse Remi
Where do I begin… I just love this horse. Remi is an 11-year-old WBxTB, and he’s the epitome of a hunter. I’ve had him for over a year now and we’ve been able to accomplish my dreams and beyond. As corny as it sounds, he’s been a constant source of light in my life. He’s very brave and sweet – he loves people and he’s been a wonderful teacher for me – very tolerant of amateur mistakes but demands correct riding. We compete in the 2’6” Low Adults and I hope to do the Adults with him eventually. We had a great show year in 2018, so we’ve been taking it easy this winter just lessoning and hacking while my bank account slowly replenishes!
I hope you enjoyed getting to know Lynn as much as I did. If you would like to purchase one of Lynn’s stunning Plaid Paper works you can do so via her Etsy account https://www.etsy.com/shop/PlaidpaperShop
Wow, what amazing illustrations! So interesting to hear Lynn’s story xx
Thank you – Aren’t they just spectacular. I’m so pleased that you enjoyed reading it Pam.
Aren’t they beautiful!
They are very cute
Love the artwork, and have given Plaid Paper a follow on Instagram now too! Great to hear where Lynn’s inspiration comes from and about her own equestrian journey too!
These are just gorgeous! I’ve started following her on instagram since seeing this. Love it!
Your artwork is beautiful, and I think it is very cool that you can do it all on an iPad! I rode as a kid, but sometimes I think it did more harm than good. I know a lot of adults who are just starting to ride, and I absolutely encourage it. Glad you found your passion and you are pursuing them!