Laurence Delaunay, or Lolo, started painting in her twenties and never stopped. Her artistic journey began with pastels and watercolors but switched to oil, acrylic, and palette knives shortly after.
Delaunay has been a professional painter in Nederland for 17 years. On March 1, 2023, she began a new venture, working on opening a gallery in Nederland, expressing, “I am so thankful! I have never been so happy to go to work every day!”
When a space opened on 1st Street, she started working on the atelier, meaning a workshop or studio in French. She painted the walls and added new flooring while the community offered love and encouragement.
Lolo’s Atelier celebrated its grand opening Easter weekend, Friday, April 7, 2023, making it the perfect dream for Delaunay as she shares a deep connection with the town of Ned.
Delaunay enjoys painting animals and landscapes on large canvases “in a semi-abstract, semi-realistic style. I combine colors, precise and loose strokes that leave room for the eyes to travel and imagine. Big Bears and Hummingbirds are my favorite!”
“Oil, acrylic, and ink are my favorite mediums, but I like to explore mixed media as well. Paint brushes, palette knives, and bare hands are my preferred tools. I have always loved to draw and paint since my youngest age,” shares Delaunay.
Her first art show was at the Mountain Brewery and Smokehouse nearly two decades ago. Salto Coffee has sponsored her vibrant acrylic flower and wildlife paintings. Among other Delaunay supporters and hosts are The Very Nice Brewing Company, Kaleidoscope Art Gallery, and Crosscut Pizzeria.
Delaunay has also taught French at Nederland Middle-Senior High School and has offered to teach art sessions for Chinook High School students as a fundraiser for Teens, Inc. She’s led art lessons in her home studio as an after-school activity for young children.
Delaunay hopes Lolo’s Atelier is a place where she will be “painting and showing her work, but more importantly, a place to gather among friends, artists, and art lovers.”
“I am so grateful to live in such a beautiful place called Nederland, surrounded by the most beautiful nature,” which inspires Delaunay every day.
Lolo’s Atelier is located at 25 East 1st Street, Nederland. You can find it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LaurencedelaunayART or you can give her a call at 720-514-9460.
Sign up as a sponsor for The Mountain-Ear’s Studio Tour September 22-24, 2023, at www.themtnear.com/peak-to-peak-studio-tour-2023/.
