Meet McKynzi Bohnen | Artist & Intuitive

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

Hi McKynzi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had always wanted to try painting professionally. When my daughter was a baby it was pretty much my only option! I needed a flexible schedule and I hardly had any childcare so I needed a job I could leave out on a table and start and stop when I had the chance. Having no other options was a blessing in disguise. Thanks to a few signs from the universe I gained the support of my mother (who helps me with my daugher). Things just kept falling into place. Have to say I probably do more following the universal flow; signs and feeling things out, than I do thinking things through. That’s when things work out the best for me anyway.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I paint with acrylic and watercolor paint. Usually singular subject matter with a plain background. When I paint large animals in acrylic I would describe the style as pop art impressionist. The small watercolor portraits could go under the same title but maybe add… fairy magic? I read energy as an intuitive/psychic healer and it often initially represents itself as color. So I think my paintings express that. Like I show you a piece of of the subjects soul. It’s energy.

I guess that description moves me into the abstract paintings I have been working on more recently. They usually remind people of water, energy, flow… they give the viewers they are meant to connect with a special feeling. They light you up.

Large and colorful artwork can add humor and lighten the energy of a room. If you give it a chance, it can open your heart, too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Would start in Downtown Lafayette for a coffee and croissant at East Simpson Coffee Company. I love the community in downtown Lafayette and ESCC is the epicenter of that for me and it would start the visit off energized. Would have to hit the hiking trails next. Maybe Chautauqua dining hall after. Great food. Local dining company. And undeniably some of the most incredible views in Boulder.

The next day Pearl Street for coffee, shops, reastaurants, entertainment for kids. Would choose which shops and restaurants according to whom I’m entertaining!

During the summer I might take our company up to my boyfriends cabin in Lyons to ride ATVs, fish, hike, pet horses… or if they are more the city types maybe the Denver Art Museum or Aquarium and Commedy Works at night.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Well, for sure my Mom, Kris Carius, who provided me an initial loan of $2,000 to buy mugs and prints of my artwork. And Dee Perry. A friend of hers from my childhood who she kept randomly running into until they decided it was a sign and had lunch together. Dee recognized my talent and backed me with her business expertise. With her confidence in my work I gained the support of my mother to start my business.

My Aunt Pam Gardener (Moms sister) also backed my work and was one of my first best customers. I had the honor of helping her decorate her newly remodeled home with my art!

Then there is every other family member and friend who complimented my work, helped me get my foot in the door, and purchased my first paintings on Facebook when I was wondering if this was a feasible idea.

Thank you to the store front owners (especially Connie Brenton at Art Mart – my first and still biggest account) who took the risk selling my work. Thank you to the countless customers who risked ordering commissioned paintings and pet portraits, especially at the beginning when my technique was not as efficient.

Not only did you provide a single mother a chance, you provided me the opportunity to pursue a dream I have had my whole life. Bless you and thank you all!

Website: Mckynzib.com

Instagram: @lifeofrainbowbutter

Facebook: @lifeofrainbowbutter

Other: Mckynzib.Etsy.com