Artist Lynn Garwood shares her artist journey, inspiration and love of painting realism. See more of her portfolio by visiting her website.
![painting of vintage gasoline pumps by Lynn Garwood](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Dino-Pumps-40x30-acrylic-by-Lynn-Garwood-2.jpg)
“Dino Pumps” acrylic, 30″ x 40″
My name is Lynn Garwood, and I live in the Midwest. In the 1980’s after high school I pursued art by attending Chicago’s Ray Vogue College of Design. From there I went on to create a sign business that I have been working at for thirty-five plus years. I letter trucks and signage, but my passion niche is boat lettering. I’ve evolved with the industry, going from hand lettering, to cut vinyl, to printing. I do all my signage and art reproductions with a Roland 54” wide format printer, named Thor.
![painting in progress by Lynn Garwood](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Art-in-Progress-leaving.jpg)
“Leaving” (art in progress) acrylic, 72” x 54”
I took time off from commercial work to raise my four children, but found that I really missed the daily creativity. So I began to paint at night when the kids were sleeping. I wasn’t quite sure what to paint, so I started with the subjects I loved most—nature, old gas pumps, vintage cars and rusty bikes. During this time, I learned much about color and technique while working in one of my favorite styles—realism.
![painting of an old car rusting by Lynn Garwood](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Betsey-in-the-Mist-18x24-acrylic-by-Lynn-Garwood-2.jpg)
“Betsey in the Mist” acrylic, 24” x 18”
I was also inspired by the female spirit and would sketch, draw and paint my ladies. These ladies consisted of fairies, angels, mermaids and other soulful beings, human or otherwise. I feel as though the vintage paintings trained my technique and eye, and the female inspirations trained my drawing skills, while helping me tap into my heart’s perspective.
![painting of a woman in the fall by Lynn Garwood](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Letting-Go-40x30-acrylic-by-Lynn-Garwood-2.jpg)
“Letting Go” acrylic, 30” x 40”
I’m creating more of my soulful feminine creations these days, along with writings from an inspirational viewpoint. My sleep habits can often be affected, as I will frequently wake up between two and four in the morning. I try to talk down the sketching fairies that are making me hot, restless, thirsty, hungry—you name it. They use every ploy to get me up so I can write and sketch. I have really been enjoying the content they offer me, although I do question the early hours. Apparently creativity has no timetable!
![painting of fall leaves by Lynn Garwood](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Fallen-30x40-acrylic-by-Lynn-Garwood-2.jpg)
“Fallen” acrylic, 40” x 30”
I’m extremely sensitive, which at times has been emotionally hard to live with. However, this is how I am able to receive my creativity, and I view it as a gift! I began elevating my own feelings by putting positive words in and under my art. Choosing words that hold meaning for me, something I want to bring into my life—love, peace, light, etc.— lifts me up. People express that they feel a shift in mood when viewing my art, so I believe the piece is channeling good vibrations.
![painting of shells on the shore by Lynn Garwood](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Happy-Collaboration-18x24-acrylic-by-Lynn-Garwood-2.jpg)
“Happy Collaboration” acrylic, 24” x 18”
I have shown my art throughout the United States in books, magazines, newspaper, art events, galleries and museums. I create and sell reproductions and originals, mostly from my own website. Currently, I have revisited a lifelong dream to illustrate children’s books and am working toward publishing my own written, illustrated version about a sun.
![Artist Lynn Garwood](https://www.artsyshark.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/500px.jpeg)
Artist Lynn Garwood. Photo by Janet Kay
Family life is quieter these days with the kids grown; yet with art, I am more inspired and it is louder and busier than ever before. Plus, I think I’m turning into a mermaid!
Artist Lynn Garwood invites you to follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
Excellent realism. My favorite is Fallen.