Meet Lois Shumway | Art Educator & Watercolor Artist

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

Hi Lois, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I started my career as a public school art teacher. It was an amazing seven years of teaching around 500 elementary students a week for an hour long art class. I gained so much experience in teaching art, managing students, gaining leadership skills, and practicing new art medias. It also meant many long hours after the school day grading, prepping art materials, and lesson planning.

One of the best decisions I made to improve my work life balance was to start my own business and work from home. With a baby on the way, I wanted a career that would let me set my own hours so that I wouldn’t miss once-in-a-lifetime moments with my daughter. My little business of teaching private art lessons in my home studio and selling original watercolor artworks took off quickly! It has kept me busy, but it has also allowed me to prioritize taking care of my family in this stage of life.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
After working as an elementary art teacher for seven years, I made the decision two years ago to start my own business of teaching private art lessons and creating watercolor paintings right in my own home studio. It has been a wonderful journey of going from a busy classroom environment, to one where I can work with students individually or in small groups. Teaching continues to be my passion. I believe that art cultivates skills that children will use for the rest of their lives. As students practice art skills in my classes, I aim for them to not only become excellent artists, but also to become great problem solvers and critical thinkers. It’s been exciting to see students grow in these areas at Bellcove Studio.

I also use my studio to create original watercolor paintings. My artwork is inspired by places that I have lived, Virginia and Colorado, and also by places around the world. As I travel, I am inspired by God’s artistic hand in creation. In my own small way, I use that inspiration and my own photography to create detailed watercolor paintings. Recently, I have started to paint State Flowers with the goal of painting all 50 in the coming months. I am printing these designs on note cards, which I hope will bring joy to those who receive them in the mail.

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.
I have lived in Colorado Springs for two and a half years. I have come to love the amazing weather, awesome hikes, and beautiful views of Pikes Peak! Here are three sample days that include all of my favorite things in town that I would show a friend visiting me.

Day 1: The day would begin with my favorite family friendly hike, the Seven Bridges Trail. It’s such a beautiful hike in the North Cheyenne Canon that follows a mountain stream. After a hike, we would cool down with a refreshing drink at Pikes Peak Lemonade. In the afternoon, we would check out some local artists in downtown Colorado Springs or Old Colorado City. We would finish up the day with dinner and fun themed drinks at The Rabbit Hole.

Day 2: We would grab our cameras and head to one of the two most beautiful landmarks in the area: Garden of the Gods and the Paint Mines. The rock formations and colors at both locations are otherworldly. In the evening, we would head over to one of my favorite local shops, Petrie’s Family Games, for board game night. Over the last two years, we have met great friends here as well as discovered awesome new games to play.

Day 3: If it was a Sunday, I would bring my friend to visit my church, Springs Community Church. Being a part of this friendly church was impactful, especially during a difficult pandemic year. In the afternoon, we would head over to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. The giraffes and the wallabies are hands down the best interactive zoo exhibits that I have ever experienced! We would finish up the evening with dinner at the Golden Bee, one of my favorite local eateries that has so much history and flair.

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?
Many people, from my past high school art teachers to recent teacher colleagues, have inspired me in my journey as an artist. I’d like to specifically give a shoutout to my husband Nathan for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone. He works hard so that I can be a stay-at-home mom as well as a working artist. I’d also like to give a shoutout to two artist friends. Marianne (whitepeachpottery.com) and Chloe (chloejanemade.com) are both talented women who have inspired me to start my own business and who have graciously shared advice with me along the way.

Website: www.bellcovestudio.com

Instagram: @bellcovestudio

Image Credits
Lois Shumway