In otherworldly depictions of animals, landscapes, and people, Myra Lynne is capturing the pure and joyful essence of connecting with the world around us. The Minneapolis-based visual artist has channeled her passion for animals and the natural world into colorful and captivating expressions of life. Whether mixed media, acrylic, or oil painting, her distinctive combination of vivid palettes with gestural mark making convey a peaceful tranquility she hopes to instill in her viewers.
What initially drew you to explore animals in your work? What do they symbolize and which are your favorite animals to paint?
I started painting again after almost ten years away by painting my cats at paint your pet nights. I have always been obsessed with animals. My parents didn’t let us have any pets so the obsession grew. Animals can teach us so much about ourselves and our nature. I definitely go in waves of painting certain animals. I think I have painted highland cows, tigers, and bunnies the most at this point.
Do you have any studio pets? Do they impact your creative work in any way?
I paint out of my home so both of my cats love to be involved with the painting process. My cat Xander has a basket in the room.
Tell us more about the color palettes in your art! What do you love about working with bold, vibrant tones?
I love color! I think there are 2 reasons that I love the rainbow palette and bright colors in my work. I grew up in the age of Lisa Frank. I couldn’t get enough of the rainbow colors. My favorite’s were the golden retrievers and dolphins! Also I lived in so many boring walled apartments after college. I used to hang curtains around the room for color.
What have you been working on most recently in the studio?
I am working on a series of women with their companion animals. I want women to embrace their natures by looking to animals for inspiration. We can learn so much by looking at animals.
If you could collaborate with any artist living or dead, who would it be and why?
Van Gogh comes to mind but he probably wouldn’t be a great collaborator. I would probably want to work with Sargent or Richard Schmidt. They both were accomplished with brushwork and that is something I am really developing in my work right now.
What has been one important lesson you've learned in your artist journey thus far? One bit of wisdom you'd share with those starting out?
There are so many lessons but get out of your studio and meet people. It is just as important as the art you are making.
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Alicia Puig has been a contributing writer for Create! Magazine since 2017.
