The New Southern | Artist Spotlight: Laurie Winthers

Dreaming big is the first step… feeling all the fear attached to the possibilities is the next while seeing how these inner compulsions can help change the world around us is the ultimate goal. Small forward moving steps in the direction of your heart pulls.. those goose bump moments is how we manifest these possibilities for ourselves… our dreams. Laurie Winthers, contemporary painter, ukulele player and haiku writer, knows best how to heed to these inner callings. With the belief that something will keep calling in different ways until you answer, she trusts that it is never too late to give something new a try! By sticking to what she loves most, she has remained true to her own vision — both for her life and her artistic work.

For Laurie, painting is the intuitive act that brings her home to her voice. Inspired by the sea and her family, drawn to California’s landscapes and feeling gratitude for each new day are all a part of her process. Represented by The Nancy Dodds Gallery in Carmel, California and at Serena and Lily, her visual and emotional work features bold color palettes and a playful use of space that so beautifully captures the light. These vibrant land and seascapes instill a deep sense of calm and joy that is both meditative and representative of Laurie as a creative.

Photo: ©Lars Laslett

The New Southern is a movement rooted in kindness and love, expanding as a guide to help connect you to your own truth. Laurie embodies this in every way...with her own take on the New Southern being all about embracing life. We are so fortunate to have this artist in our community and I am so excited for you all to get to know her a bit better! Xx

Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell us about yourself.

Laurie Winthers: I am a contemporary painter, living and working by the sea, on the Monterey Bay, in California. I was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area with great parents, grandparents, goofy brothers and tons of aunts, uncles and cousins nearby.  I’ve had a fulfilling career in Child Development, stayed at home to help raise two beautiful children and am now experiencing the joy, along with my sweet husband, of having three tiny grandchildren. I started my art career when I turned 40 and it is the one thing that I have done on my own terms, that is all me. I paint what I love, which are the surrounding fields and ocean — always remaining true to my vision. I paint from memory and love the freedom that it gives me to create what I want. I hope this instils a feeling of peace and joy in anyone who views my work. I feel that throughout life’s requisite ups and downs, I am a very fortunate woman...surrounded by loving and supportive family, friends and work that I love.

AR: What does The New Southern mean to you?

LW: To me, first and foremost, The New Southern means embracing life — adopting a kindness towards others and supporting all different kinds of people. It means creating a home that is casual and family friendly, and creating an open and happy environment, both visually and emotionally. You are championing a movement of love and kindness!

Art by ©Laurie Winthers. Photo: ©Lars Laslett.

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Art by ©Laurie Winthers. Photo: ©Lars Laslett.

AR: What innovative trends are you seeing with The New Southern movement across the country?

LW: I am seeing people use personal and meaningful collections in their homes. Whether it’s contemporary, fresh, bright art, unique family photos, found objects from nature, beloved books, handmade items from friends or things collected from travels...Each home is unique, interesting, and speaks volumes about its owner.

AR: What is your most important tool as an artist and is there something you can’t live without in your studio?

LW: Honestly, the best thing I have in my studio is a safe space with the freedom to create whatever I want! My studio overlooks a lagoon filled with ducks, egrets and Blue Heron. Water is the thing that I can’t live without. Lots of water. My brushes need to be super clean to paint the way that I want to. I can’t paint outdoors because I can never carry enough water!!!!

AR: What are some lessons or pivots you have learned from? What advice do you have for others getting started in the creative field?

LW: Even though I enjoyed working with children and parents in my Child Development career, I found that if something else keeps calling you, heed the call! I think it keeps calling in different ways until you answer. It’s never too late to try something new! That is my pivot advice. My best advice for new creatives, which was given to me early on in my art career by Darling Neath, is to stay true to your own vision. Don’t let others sway the way you work, or what you work on. That is especially hard when working with your first gallery, as we all aim to please. And, as always, be positive and work hard at what you love.

Art by ©Laurie Winthers. Photo: ©Lars Laslett.

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Art by ©Laurie Winthers. Photo: ©Lars Laslett.

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Art by ©Laurie Winthers. Photo: ©Lars Laslett.

AR: What is your morning routine?

LW: I wake up every morning and sit on the side of my bed for a morning meditation, thanking my body for doing its best, feeling gratitude for rest and for a new day, and feeling thankful for my loving, supportive family and friends. This is followed by 15 minutes of Qigong. Then I hug my husband, and make our morning tea. My healthy breakfast hack is to add kale, protein powder and blueberries to my daily “Daily Harvest” smoothie.  I drink this almost every morning and feel like I am starting the day on a healthy and positive note.

AR: How are you living your best life right now?

LW: I feel that at this stage in my life, I am trying to enjoy EVERYTHING as much as I can. I love being in my studio, creating, and try to get there as often as possible, all while balancing taking care of myself, spending time with and caring for family and friends, and trying to have fun! I try daily to be a caring, loving and kind human being.

AR: The place you go to get inspired?

LW: Currently, the place that most inspires me is being on my deck overlooking the ocean with my 3 year old granddaughter, Lucy.  She reminds me to be free with my art, not judge what I’m making and do what makes me happy...and also to laugh and be joyful while doing it!

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Art by ©Laurie Winthers. Photo: ©Lars Laslett.

AR: My momma always said…

LW: My momma (and poppa) always said, “Look for the best in people and situations. You can almost always find something good.  And, if you can’t, then those people or situations weren’t meant for you.” I’ve found this to be true…most people are good and kind, given half a chance. And from my mom, aged 93, who has the most beautiful smile ever, “Keep going and keep smiling!”

AR: What’s your favorite housewarming gift?

LW: My favorite housewarming gift is handmade soap from a woman in La Selva Beach, California.  She makes beautiful, seasonal, pastel-colored soaps from vintage molds and wraps them in a clear sleeve — tied with vintage ribbon. I find them at Patine, a small shop in Santa Cruz.

AR: Tell us something we probably don’t know.

LW: Something that most people don’t know about me is that I am learning to play a beautiful, blue Ukulele, given to me on my last birthday by my husband. Also, instead of journaling, I write Haiku poems to reflect what is going on in my life at any given moment. This one expresses how I feel when working on my Ocean Memories paintings:

“Water becomes paint
Ocean gently rolling in
Paint becomes water”

Art by ©Laurie Winthers. Photo: ©Lars Laslett.

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The New Southern | Artist Spotlight: Jessica McClendon

Creative and forward-thinking, Jessica McClendon is a candid New Southern ambassador and Dallas-based oil painter who expresses herself by putting boundless love onto the canvas. With an interest in making space for clarity while creating healing environments — her message is all about self-love, loving others and being seen. By making use of the internal stillness within her, she has established an art career that is deeply rooted in inclusivity and gratitude. Bringing vitality and a fresh energy to the Southern art scene, she is a force and an artist to follow.

Playing with layers, light and shadow, Jessica paints people of all shapes, sizes and colors. Her latest solo exhibition, titled “Self Timer”, features over 25 oil paintings that were inspired by the modern-day selfie and created from an open-call Instagram series. Each piece is a unique portrayal of how her social media followers and loved ones chose to show themselves...rarely revealing faces, thoughtfully saturated with color and thick brushstrokes, highlighting imperfections and honestly intimate. In her creation of these beautiful pieces she is sharing a lesson on what it is to be our own works of art.

Photo: ©Hillary Bridgman

Jessica is a part of the New Southern “renaissance”, as she calls it — and she is so very confident in living her own story. Scroll on to find out the advice that got her to this place, what The New Southern means to her and her feelings on finished work...It’s a conversation as grounding as it is inspiring and it’s definitely worth a read! Xx

Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell us about your yourself.

Jessica McClendon: I’m confused about whether to be a millennial or not. But, since Google also seems confused — I call myself a Gen Y-er. I’m multiracial and a big sister from a family of 12. A wild and eternal child that loves home, cooking, candles, and Chopin. I’m a certified Doula, a former chicken farmer and country girl. West coast, East coast, the South and Mexico have all been home. I’m a masters graduate and part time educator for Dallas community colleges and I live with my soulmate above my studio. I’m also a full time painter...which is my greatest love and calling in life.

AR: What does The New Southern mean to you?

JM: Renaissance and second chances. The creation of forward movement in an area that has often been viewed as static in its traditions and ideals.

Golden Girl. Photo: ©Hillary Bridgman

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Dom’s Hands. Photo: ©Hillary Bridgman

AR: What innovative trends are you seeing with The NEW Southern Movement across the country?

JM: Striving toward clarity in design while creating healing environments that continue to stay true to the down-home nature of the South.

AR: What is your most important tool as an artist and is there something you can’t live without in your studio?

JM: Internal stillness. I know it sounds deep and abstract, but it's true! I can’t create with a noisy mind.

AR: What are some lessons or pivots you have learned from and what advice do you have for others getting started in the creative field?

JM: Envy and comparison are your enemy. Anyone who has achieved great things will have a high capacity for suffering. Nothing comes without struggle or price. So, live your own story and when you see someone else succeed, rejoice — because it means they’ve overcome some amazing obstacles. Let them be an inspiration.

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Her White Dress. Photo: ©Hillary Bridgman

Dan. Photo: ©Hillary Bridgman

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Dom. Photo: ©Hillary Bridgman

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Glam. Photo: ©Hillary Bridgman

AR: What is your morning routine? And what life hacks make you more productive?

JM: My morning routine is usually to say...”oh my....already?” I’m more of a night routine gal. My nights are finely curated events that include a hot shower, lavender oil, mediation, yoga, soft music and lowlights. My nights reset me and keep me grounded. Nights are when I steal the “me” time that is so important.

AR: How are you living your best life right now?

JM: I’m on the other side of achieving some of my greatest goals and I work for myself doing what I love the most! I also now have the clarity and maturity to realize that life isn’t just a series of destinations, but that everyday is a gift. So my best life is being able to be grateful for breath, for a hug, for the warm food on the dinner table and the peace that comes with surrender and clarity.

AR: How do you know when a work is finished?

JM: A work is finished when it goes quiet. It's hard to explain how that feels, but imagine that each painting or creative project has a voice. It wants to be brought into the world, so it kind of just bosses you around until you get it right, and when you do, it shuts up. If a painting could smile contentedly, it does.

AR: The place you go to get inspired?

JM: Internally. I think there is a place in each of us that is eternal, I like to call it the “forever place”. It’s the place that doesn’t change, that doesn’t age. You know how art and music can still resonate in our souls long after the creator has gone and make us choke with emotion? It’s our forever place connecting with theirs. I go there, in mediation and stillness. I access the part of me that is the best me and I find inspiration there every time.

AR: Life advice you’ve gotten that made all the difference both personally and professionally?

JM: I had a therapist when I was 21. I was dealing with extreme depression and anxiety, focusing on all of the things that were going wrong in my life. She told me to “live AS IF”. As if I had everything I wanted. As if my dreams had already come true. Its a tattoo on my arm now, to remind myself that things are forever changing, that a bad day ends when night falls, and that our perspective often becomes our reality. I don’t have to live “as if” anymore, but it was that advice that changed my life.

Photo: ©Hillary Bridgman

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The New Southern | Artist Spotlight: Erin Clark

Steady devotion touches my heart and underlines my idea that indulging in a passion is a powerful thing. We should all take at least 20-minutes everyday to follow that something which sparks our interest. Erin Clark takes this thought above and beyond. A lover of the sea, an artist grounded by passion, and validation that trusting your intuition will only lead to the inception of beautiful things. Creating each of her pieces with the interior in which they will live in mind and finding inspiration in her coastal upbringing...There is a strong, intentional current running through all that she does. From building a risk-taking career to teaching fine art to students of all ages — it couldn’t be more clear that her love for what she does runs deep.

Erin’s simple and soft creations are an idyllic cross between The New Southern’s minimal and coastal personalities. Unifying her “less is more” mentality together with endless depths of color. Layered, textured, and full of movement. She knows the value in less while continuing to work in a large scale. Understanding the open, airy elements which aim to feel like home — her art is serene and soothing. It has a touch of Scandinavian design and a calming nature of substance over stuff. She paints passion onto the canvas and strokes stories into the lines.

There is so much to be learned from a conscious creator like Erin. Her Northeastern background and thoughtful, uncomplicated approach to design has earned her artwork national recognition and placement — most recently in Atlanta’s Gregg Irby Gallery — and is the kind of fresh take on Southern style that we couldn’t wait to hear more about.

Alyssa Rosenheck: I am thrilled to see your work making its way down South... Tell me about yourself... 

Erin Clark: I was born and raised on the Northshore of Massachusetts. The coast has always been my playground, and it’s the backdrop for many of my memories growing up. I love traveling and exploring different places, but I always find myself back in this beautiful landscape, surrounded by the scenes that I live and work in daily. The constant movement of water, the push and pull of the tides, the rich layers and textures found near the sea – that’s where I feel at home. It’s the rhythm that drives my work.  

Tidal, 36"x36"

Close to Home, 36"x36" 

Evenly, 36"x36" 

AR: How are you modernizing / updating Southern style when you design?

EC: I strive to keep my art fresh and current. I try to keep in tune with what is happening in the interior design world…after all, those are the spaces I hope to see my art live in one day. I’m seeing better curated spaces. Spaces where “less is more” are where a great piece of art can really shine! I love uncomplicated, minimalist lines that allow for art and design to express itself fully. 

AR: What are your favorite hometown design boutiques?

EC: I am ga-ga over Red Bird Trading Co. in Newburyport, MA. I completely dissolve in that store — it speaks to me in a way that no other space does.

AR: Favorite shade of white and black paint color?

EC: “White Dove” and “Temptation” both by Ben Moore. “Temptation” is is dark and moody, but light and happy all at the same time — yes, it’s a miracle color!!! It’s all over my house…and my art!

AR: What’s your life motto?

EC: A high school art teacher once told me to “Love what you do and you will find a way to make the money”. This has stayed with me and has been the driving force in all of my career decisions. Passion and hustle have yet to fail me!

AR: Any advice for those getting into the business?

EC: Listen to your heart, follow your gut. Cliche?…maybe. True?…undoubtedly. I have made some pretty risky career decisions and so far I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m currently in the midst of my biggest career decision yet and I am trying hard to follow my own advice! 

Photo: ©SarahWinchesterStudios Design: Meg McSherry Interiors

Big Sur, 48"x60"

Photo: ©SarahWinchesterStudios Design: Meg McSherry Interiors

Lil, 30"x40"

AR: Favorite artist?

EC: Richard Diebenkorn's "Ocean Park" series has forever changed my lens. The endless depth of color and simple compositions of his work could leave me staring for hours. The way I see, feel and create art is greatly influenced by his work. 

AR: Tell us something few people know about you.

EC: I own an art school called Artcie that I have dedicated the past 13 years to. We teach fine art to over 100 students per week ranging in age from 4 to adult.  I have four ‘rock star’ instructors who are like family to me.

Hattie + Harper, 30"x40" each

AR: What’s your go-to design book right now?

EC: Tricia Guild’s “White Hot” was the first design book I ever purchased. It was this book that made me realize the “art” of interior design.

AR: Do you have a favorite color combo?

EC: Blue and pink are my everything when it comes to color! You will find it in almost all of my work. If it’s not the main palette, it’s usually hidden in there somewhere! 

Kick Off To Summer, 36"x48"

Nantucket Bound, 36"x36"

West St, 36"x36"

A Bit More City, 36"x60"

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The New Southern | Artist Spotlight: Renée Bouchon

There is something about females who toss out all of the rules and choose to pursue something which gives their lives more substance that stirs my soul. Renée Bouchon is one of these women — having found her passion through art and learning to thrive off of it. An artist with a beautiful eye for the imperfect, impressive abstract portfolio, and a true understanding of what it takes to make that pivot from what is expected to what speaks to your soul. Continuing to live out her truth, Renée is a living testament to The New Southern’s idea that we should cultivate our own paths to make each day better than the last. As someone who has gone from corporate to creative myself, I am thrilled to champion her as a part of this movement.   

With every brushstroke Renee is tending to a dream which sparked a fire within her at an early age in New Orleans. Her work is authentic and full of life, as she powerfully mixes bold hues, soft pastels and neutral tones, alongside her signature charcoal lines. Evoking a sense of freedom, exploration, and adventure. Known for a movement of color and depth of personality in every piece. She speaks a powerful message to other creative entrepreneurs that are looking for the inspiration to one day get there: “The time is now!”.

Photo: © CatMax Photography

We loved sitting down with this creative Atlantan whose art has quickly gained national exposure among a network of acclaimed interior designers and respected galleries. Knowing not just her style but her story, too, she’s an artistic tastemaker that we are honored to raise our glass to in this new year.

Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell me about yourself.

Renée Bouchon: Oh boy, where do I begin! I was born and raised in New Orleans before moving to Charlotte for high school. I then found myself at the University of Georgia majoring in advertising through their journalism school and finally landed in Atlanta post-graduation (where I have been ever since). Throughout it all, I painted. Always. It was my stress-reliever during my years in the fast-paced ad world, and the thing I looked forward to come home to. I would set up shop in my big bathroom—yes, bathroom—because I had a roommate and I didn't want to take over any of the common space. It wasn’t until about 6 years ago that a college acquaintance commissioned me to do a painting for her, and her hubby’s GORGEOUS new Savannah home. I’d say it was right about then, that things took off...and they have only skyrocketed. After 10 years in some of the top advertising firms in Atlanta, I arrived at a crossroad...keep straddling the line between ad exec and artist, or take the leap. Risk it all and walk away from a great paying job and stability to follow what my heart was screaming at me to do. Well, I followed my heart and I have not looked back. Not once. I loved my years in advertising, but I truly believe they were setting me up to follow my dream, market myself in the right way, and catapult me to a full-time artist. It’s been an unbelievable ride, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds. So many exciting things are on the horizon!

AR: How are you modernizing / updating Southern style with your art?

RB: I break the rules...all the time. I mix mediums that are traditionally not paired together to create mixed media compositions that tell a story. I don’t like art that’s perfect. I want it to have flaws and beautiful imperfections. It’s hard to find a piece of mine that does not have charcoal line work. It’s raw and usually the favorite part of any piece. 

AR: What innovative trends are you seeing with Southern style across the country?

RB: Moody, sultry interiors.

AR: What are your favorite hometown design boutiques?

RB: Scott’s Antique Market takes the cake!

AR: Favorite shade of white and black paint color?

RB: “Pitch Black” by Farrow & Ball and “Great White” by Farrow & Ball.

AR: What’s your life motto?

RB: GO. FOR. IT! I’ve always said, you get one shot at this thing called life. ONE! Just do it. Don’t look like back 5,10, 50 years and say, “I wish I would have followed my heart, taken that trip, left the job, etc.” The time is now. For real, folks!

AR: The one shade that changes everything? Tell us what mood it evokes and when/how you’ve used it. 

RB: Black! There is something about including black in artwork that brings all of the other colors out more. It’s the perfect juxtaposition to a colorful piece and adds interest and sophistication.

AR: The place you go to get inspired?

RB: New York City. Oh boy, does this city get me going. I typically make a trip there every other month. I can’t not visit when I get the itch. The people, the culture, the art, the food, the grit, the music...you name it. This city evokes so many ideas and has me racing back to my studio to put my brush to the canvas. Last time I visited, I spent hours at the Museum of Modern Art. I can honestly say, it’s my ultimate happy place.

AR: The key to making a house a home?

RB: Make it a reflection of what makes you come alive! That painting that you bought from the 80-year-old man selling original art on a bridge in Paris, the pillow you made from vintage fabric you found at an NYC flea market. Less fluff and more meaning! Make it eclectic and interesting.

AR: Life advice you’ve gotten that made all the difference both personally and professionally?  

RB: Don’t get hung up on the small stuff. It’s so easy to forget the big picture.  

AR: Who are some of your favorite artists/makers? What do you love about their work?  

RB: Wayne Pate. I love his simple yet detailed works and his color selection. Ashley Longshore is another favorite—I adore her carefree approach to life...her art is pretty killer too.

Artist: Renee Bouchon, Photo: © CatMax Photography

Design: Erin Gates Elements of Style

AR: What’s your favorite housewarming gift?

RB: A Jo Malone candle.

AR: What’s your dream project/client? 

RB: Collaborating with Kelly Wearstler or Suzanne Kasler.

AR: What’s currently on your nightstand?  

RB: Six issues of Architectural Digest.

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