Conversations with Larissa Flynn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Larissa Flynn.

Larissa , we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been a life long artist with a background in graphic design & illustration…..plein air painting is a relatively recent artistic pursuit which began at the storied property known as Tapawingo in Ellsworth, MI. It was there that the chef owner invited me to paint live during a tasting dinner to add to their guests dining experience. I think I had the best time of all and was hooked from the first few brush strokes. From that point on I began toting my plein air easel around Northern Michigan, painting on location from places like the gorgeous Lelanau peninsula to enchanting Mackinac Island and many places in between and beyond!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The life of a career fine artist is very much a bumpy road, and then some. The romanticized version does rear its head now and then and I honestly want to pinch myself as it feels like I’m living. dream sometimes. I can’t say I’ve had it easier or harder than anyone else. I think the most challenging part is the title itself… artist…there are many manifestations and self proclamations out there. It has become a very relative and diluted term. I recently heard a statement somewhere that I’ll leave you with, “While everyone is capeable of creating, not everyone is an artist….

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Michigan born and raised formally trained fine artist specializing in plein air oil painting.
My work is well known in Northwest Michigan with a strong following on Mackinac Island.
​As for my painting style…it lands somewhere between impressionist and expressionist.
Admirers and collectors most commonly remark to feelings of peaceful happiness and pure joy that resonate from my work. This is amazing feedback as I experience such fun when painting on location. To know that feeling is somehow translated and shared is an amazing achievement….and a bit magical

Every now and then I escape to warmer climates and take my paint kit…I’ve painted on location in places like Bimini and the Florida Keys. Last spring I found myself in a sleepy mountain valley of Washington and did some watercolors. I term these works as my getaway collections and love how new unfamiliar places influence and inspire my work.
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What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
It’s a crazy time in the world as technology creeps in more and more on everything. I can only hope that all things grown in an artist’s heart that is born of their hands becomes even more everlasting, valued, and appreciated. As for tends they are just that, trends….they come and go I pay them no mind. Movements are another story…

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lflynnfineart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lflynnfineart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlevoixartist