Meet Laura Reilly | Artist and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laura Reilly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
What I do for a living – creating and selling my original paintings – gives me great satisfaction and joy, and it also gives my customers similar satisfactions. My art is purchased for many different reasons, by many different customers. In corporate settings, it’s seen as uplifting and colorful objects of contemplation, and a final finish to interior design. For private customers, my paintings are purchsed for many different reason – as mementos of good times, reflections of my customers own experiences, as a very special gift for significant occasions – weddings, retirements, birthdays – any occasion requiring something out of the ordinary to mark a special time, or to celebrate a special relationship. Once basic needs are met, it’s human instinct to decorate and celebrate and enhance our lives with objects and artifacts that delight the senses and feed the soul – it’s a necessary and universal instinct of humanity. That’s what my art provides, and how it serves the world. It feeds the human spirit.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am known for vibrant original paintings that celebrate the Rocky Mountain west, with an expressive flair. My career in art had it’s start in childhood – I was fortunate to have a very creative mother who encouraged me, and provided supplies and opportunities for me when possible. When I was a kid, I didn’t even know “Artist” was a thing a person could be or do. But drawing and painting and creating were my natural way of interacting with the world. Later, as an adult, I realized that what I needed and wanted was a life in art, and I made a conscious decision to educate myself, At the time, I had a young family to help support, so I painted part time after work and when the kids were in bed. It took a long time, and my trajectory was a slow climb, but from my very first efforts to show and sell my work, my community has supported me. I am proud to say that my paintings now reside in corporate and private collections throughout the US and Europe. My greatest satisfaction and achievement is knowing that my work is treasured by people right here in Colorado Springs. This city has supported me from my earliest humble beginnings, and I am pleased and gratified to know that my paintings grace many, many homes and businesses in this community. Without this early encouragement and support I wouldn’t be the artist I am now.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My friend and I would definitely visit our local beauty spots – Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods and Red Rock Canyon, We would also venture up to Mueller State Park, and the historic mining town of Victor. Another day, I think we’d venture to the very beautiful Eleven Mile Canyon, and the Tarryall Mountains. For a great lunch, we’d have to visit La Baguette in Old Colorado City. A visit to the Pioneer’s Museum and Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center would be on our agenda as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In my quest to perfect my art and find my place in my community as an artist, I’ve had much support and encouragement. My husband, first of all, has always encouraged and supported my efforts in the most practical ways – building equipment and displays, helping me move into and out of various studio and retail locations, accompanying me to shows and oh so much more over the years! In addition, I have to give a shout out to my fellow artists and artisans, Deb Komitor, Tracy Miller, and Micheline Brierre. These gals have provided valuable and practical business advice and personal encouragement. Their friendship and tenacity over the many years we’ve been friends has been so important. I’ve also benefitted greatly from other artists in my field, with practical instructions in workshops and online. I have had many mentors via publications – artists whose generous advice about material and methods have informed my work and my business practices. And – last but not least, the best book I have ever read about living the life of a professional working artist is “How To Make A Living As A Painter” by the artist Kenneth Harris – written in the 60’s, this book completely changed my life and ideas about being a professional artist and my value to my community.

Website: www.laurareilly.com

Instagram: laurareillyfineartstudio

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurareillyfineart

Youtube: Laura Reilly Artist

Image Credits
Tara C. Patty