Meet Lindsay Simmons: The Painter Who Took No Shortcuts

"Knowing you have painted for yourself is seeing the beauty in your own paintings."

Lindsay Simmons

Can you recall a specific moment or event that solidified your decision to pursue this path?

My decision to truly take painting seriously occurred while I was in college. I had registered for a few painting classes, knowing they were just extracurriculars and I might have to drop them. Unfortunately, that became true, and I had to drop oil painting. My art professor then reached out to me to ensure nothing was wrong that made me drop his class. He told me he was excited for me to be a part of the oil painting class because he knew I would grow as a painter. All my years of being a painter, I never really saw my paintings as more than amateur status. My professor told me, "Lindsay, your talent for painting isn't something that should be wasted or dropped if needed." That professor was someone I truly looked up to and wanted to learn everything he knew about art. Not only because he was an amazing artist, but because he treated his students like artists. After my professor talked to me, I realized that my painting was something that mattered, not just to me anymore. My confidence grew, my desire to better myself grew, and my desire to paint more grew. That moment when my professor told me not to waste my talent, I knew painting was it for me.

How did you manage your first major failure or setback, and what did you learn from it?

My first major setback was after I applied for a gallery show that I had been in before. I was really excited to be a part of this showing again. The place it was held was beautiful and very local to the area. Although it was a tight-knit community, I tried. I applied for that show every year from 2017 to 2022, only getting in that once. At first, I took it to heart, starting to lose confidence in my art again. My husband told me, "Don't let the worth of your painting be dictated by someone who doesn't know the story behind the painting." That stuck with me and still does to this day. Along my art journey of learning to just be me, I no longer let other people's opinions make me question my love and talent for painting.

Who were the key people or resources that helped you achieve your success?

It all started when my family and I had to move across the country. I remember a painting my grandmother had done and thinking to myself, "Why don't I try painting?" That first Christmas in Germany, I asked my parents for canvases and paint. That's exactly what I got. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for starting this crazy art journey of mine that I wouldn't want any other way. My best friend has always been a fan of everything I make, sometimes even the things I question. I know that if I come up with a new style or craft I want to try, I just tell my best friend. Every time, she always supports it. My husband has always believed in my art and what I can do. He has seen all the paintings filled with emotions. He has watched me put hours and hours into my passion and has watched me grow. He has been there every step of the way, and I know he will continue to be. Knowing I have his support helps me not to give up.

How do your current projects reflect your growth and evolution as an artist?

The confidence in my art now is shining stronger than ever before. The paint strokes on the canvas all have a purpose. There is so much emotion hidden within my paintings now. I feel like my art now is the most authentic form of art from me that there has ever been. And knowing that with all the time and patience I have put in these past few years to better my art, it makes me excited to see what my art can become in the future.

What is the best piece of advice you received during your career, and how has it influenced you?

Do it for yourself. When you are creating, especially now with social media, do it for yourself. If your sketchbook is beautiful and full of masterpieces, that is amazing. But make sure you make it that way for yourself. If your sketchbook is full of scribbles and nonsense, that is still amazing! When you draw, scribble, doodle, paint, etc., do it for yourself.

"Knowing you have painted for yourself is seeing the beauty in your own paintings." - Lindsay Simmons

Check out Lindsay's Company: Orange Berries Art

Connect with Lindsay Simmons and Orange Berries Art on Social Media:

Instagram: @orange_berries_art

Facebook: Orange Berries Art