I am an artist working and living in Darien, CT. Growing up, I always had a passion for painting and drawing and I was fortunate enough to be exposed to the visual arts from a very young age. I was also lucky enough to take a variety of painting and drawing classes and I always knew that I wanted a future in the world of art. I received my B.A. in Art and Art History from Skidmore College in 1989, and then went on to study Graphic Design at Parson’s School of Design in New York in 1991. My work took me first to the art gallery arena in New York City for several years and then ultimately to the Estee Lauder Companies, where I became Creative Projects Director in the creative department at the Clinique brand. Although I do love the world of graphic design, I have come full circle back to my first love, which has always been drawing and painting. I love the challenge of painting home portraits, because I know how important it is to cherish and celebrate the places we love as we remember them. I think a painting, and the watercolor medium in particular, elevates the image of a home to something stylized and unique. I also love the challenge of painting portraits of children and people that are not too formal or staid, but more intimate and less literal. I prefer the watercolor medium for my portraiture, but I also love working in acrylic and exploring texture, color, and form on the canvas. I love the way that abstraction can convey an energy and an emotion to a viewer and enhance the atmosphere of a living space. My work has been exhibited nationally and online. You can reach me via email at lrae@optonline.net.
Artist’s Statement:
I have been communicating with the world around me through drawing and painting for as long as I can remember, even before I could speak. It is still the most natural way for me to express myself. I find myself inspired by images I take of familiar places that capture a moment in time where the light might be just right, or the feel of the scene pulls you in and makes you feel connected to the life in the picture. When I work in abstraction, I begin with a figurative composition or concept in mind but allow myself the freedom to find my own interpretation and let it take me on a creative journey. I love to blend recognizable subjects or figures with abstract artistic styles, focusing on the essence of the subject.
Works can be found in private and public collections throughout the United States. The Connecticut Society of Portrait Artists, The Carriage Barn Arts Center, The Stamford Loft Artist Association and The Geary Gallery. Currently acting as Visual Arts Director of the Darien Arts Center, Darien, CT.
Recent Exhibitions:
CNNS Annual Art Show, The Sono, Norwalk, CT. 2025.
RAC Spring Juried Show, Rowayton, CT. 2025.
Ridgefield Guild of Artists Annual Show, Ridgefield, CT. 2025.
Stamford Loft Artists “Winter Thyme” Show, Stamford, CT. 2025.
Amelia Interiors Collection, Charleston, SC. 2023 – 2025.
The Carriage Barn Arts Center Annual Contemporary Art Show, New Canaan, CT. 2024.
The Geary Gallery, Darien CT. Permanent Collection 2023.
Greenwich Greens Solo Show, Greenwich CT, 2023.
CCNS Annual Art Show, The Sono, Norwalk, CT. 2022, 2023, 2024.
Lilian August, LA Home, Norwalk, CT. Permanent Collection 2022.
