Studio Information
Laurie Riley's home
Cottage #1
Come in the gate and follow the path to my studio
About The Artist
Artist statement
As an artist working with collage, acrylic paint, gouache and watercolor, I’m drawn to forms and colors that vibrate together. My most recent forays into collage abstracts are a joyful dive into the world of contrasting shapes and complimentary colors. When I’m just playing, and following my intuition, I am my happiest self.
My current explorations involve playing with transparency, layering to create texture and form. The surprises and unexpected discoveries keep me endlessly fascinated. I hope that the joy of discovery in my work is translated to the viewer.
Art making is an act of courage. I was first introduced to the challenges of creating art by my older sister. She coaxed me to join her in painting large scale abstract collages outdoors on the garage doors of our home. Nothing was too crazy to try out. She organized neighborhood parades, costuming kids on the block. She also created installations of fabric and light in my bedroom corner to help me recover from childhood illnesses. Watching her creative exuberance, I experienced the healing power of art firsthand.
Since those early years I’ve been supported and guided by many wonderful teachers who’ve reminded me to have faith, be brave, keep going, be bold and remember to play. Upon leaving my elementary school teaching post I enrolled myself in art school full time, starting my formal instruction with the art program at College of Marin, beginning with Drawing and Composition, Watercolor, Figure drawing and painting.
Today I work with mixed media collage, gelli plate printing, watercolor, gouache, and acrylic paint in both figurative and abstract styles. I have been coached and inspired by my teachers at College of Marin and the ICB building in Sausalito, and on line; Carol Lefkowitz, Julie Cohn, Karen Meadows, Shari Blaukopf, Malcolm Dewey, Drew Steinbrecher, Danny Gregory and my fellow art graduates of the Creative Visionary Program with Nick Wilton.
My working mantra is simply: Remember to Play.
Laurie Riley
January 2025
Oil Paint, Acrylic Paint, Watercolor, Drawing, Prints and Printmaking, Mixed Media
Contact Information
415-250-9951
Exhibitions & Press
Marin Art and Garden Center August 2022
College of Marin Student Exhibition October 2022
Marin County Fair Juried Show, June, 2023
Education
Undergraduate BA Psychology, Ithaca College, NY
Teacher Credential (K-8) State University of NY, Cortland, NY
Master’s Degree Education/Reading and Language Arts, Sonoma State University, Sonoma, CA
College Of Marin, Kentfield, CA, Drawing and Composition I–IV, Watercolor (I-IV), Figure Drawing, Painting I-IV, Figure Painting.
Creative Visionary Program, with Nick Wilton, 2023 and 2024.
I spent much of my early career as a journalist and columnist for The Point Reyes Light, and other publications in the Bay Area. When my daughter reached school age I renewed my teacher credential and joined the staff of The Open Classroom in Lagunitas School District. There I was able to explore the arts with my students, creating historical theatrical productions and classroom art projects.
Upon leaving my teaching post I enrolled in College of Marin art classes full time and immersed myself in learning techniques of drawing and painting. There I was guided and encouraged by dedicated teachers, and continued to take classes until COVID required classes to go online. The void of classes was then filled by the Creative Visionary Program which I enrolled in for two years, 2023 and 2024. Today I paint and work in my little cottage in Mill Valley, and stay in contact with my CVP group each week (when possible) called “Creatives by the Bay.” Being a part of the Marin Open Studios has been a dream come true.