We know what you're probably thinking, hmm...that name sounds familiar. Well that's because this isn't the first time the incredible work of Ariana Clare has graced our website! Ariana is the talented photographer behind much of the photography you see on our site as well as here on the blog. But today, we're excited to get to introduce her as one of our featured artists in The Mintwood Art Shop.

Ariana Clare is an artist, photographer, and stylist who currently lives in Charlotte, North Carolina. In this personal series from a recent trip to Italy, Ariana captured her surroundings without pressure to compose or communicate anything more than the beauty in the moment itself. These prints have us daydreaming of warmer weather and the exciting adventures what come with it. We love these prints styled together in a gallery wall, as a stand-alone statement piece in your home, or if you just need a pick-me-up at work today (go away snow!), download one of Ariana's gorgeous desktop wallpaper designs below. 

Our gift to you. 

Download any of the following free desktop wallpapers by Ariana Clare!

We haven't had the privilege of meeting Sandra Wright in person (yet!); however, after our first phone call a few weeks ago, it was obvious that she’s one of those special people who has a warmth that crosses all boundaries—you feel like you know her even if you’ve never actually met, or in our case, live a few 1,000 miles apart.

Her art – rich with colors and complex texture - is mesmerizing. That part we knew. What we didn’t know is that her story is just as moving. A few years ago, one of Sandra's three beautiful daughters passed away, and as she recalls,  “I remember praying for God to give me something to help me get through each day. And through my art, He really did. I feel like it just started pouring out.” Her story speaks to the truth and courage that can come out of times of loss and vulnerability.

Painting for Sandra is personal. “Sometimes I feel like my paintings are my little babies—I love knowing where they are going and that they are loved.” And when asked what is her dream job, she says without hesitation, “I feel like I’m living it!”

We could not be more excited to introduce you to the phenomenally talented Sandra Wright!

Q and A with Sandra:

Where are you from?

How do you describe your style of painting?

What are your biggest inspirations for your art?

Fill in the blank/ Art is _______.

Art is an expression of my happy place.

Where does your passion for art come from?

Advice to other aspiring artists/creative students?

Just go for it! In art, there are no precise ways of doing something, so just be true to yourself and your passion. The paintings that I love the most are usually the ones that sell the fastest.

Have you ever felt like you were about to watch someone take off? That moment when someone is standing at the edge of the high-dive board about to jump, and deep down you just know that they are about to amaze you with their talent and splash. That is how we feel about Madeleine Frances. Her raw talent, appreciation for beauty, and her new-found entrepreneurial spirit are inspiring. Oh, and not to mention, we're pretty obsessed with her prints!

Q and A with Madeleine:

Where are you from? 

In two words, how would you describe your style of painting? 

Whimsical and feminine.

What mediums do you use? 

I mainly use ink and watercolor on paper, but every now and then I throw some colored pencil into the mix. 

Your biggest inspirations? Your favorite artists? 

My biggest inspirations are my parents - in the large scheme of things and in my art. My mom and dad encouraged my siblings and I, from a very young age, to pursue our artistic talents. Handmade birthday and holiday cards were a staple in our household - in fact, I can't remember a time I ever gave my parents a store-bought card. So, over the past couple years when I found myself drawing and painting more, my parents were (as always) my proverbial cheerleaders. 

Our favorite mint door by Madeleine Frances was painted specially for us and is only available at Mintwood Home!

Where does your passion for art come from? 

I've always enjoyed and appreciated art, but it took some time before I realized my own passion. I graduated college in 2012 and jumped into a great job at a lobbying firm in D.C., where I still am working. After several months, I realized I needed a creative outlet so I began drawing. Then drawing turned into painting. I essentially taught myself how to paint with watercolors this past winter and realized I absolutely loved it. That's when the passion kicked in and I found myself rushing home from my day job to paint.

Advice to other aspiring artists/creative students? 

Embrace your own style and develop it.

What’s your favorite Mintwood Home product? 

It's hard to choose just one! I adore the Gold Flying Piggy Bank and the Whino Cocktail Napkins.

What do you like to listen to while your painting? 

I listen to everything from Celine Dion (not joking) to Jame Vincent McMorrow, John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Fleetwood Mac, The Lumineers, Ghost Beach and Shania Twain. You could say, I have a very eclectic taste in music.

Fill in the blank.

Art is meaningful.

Favorite art museum? 

I love National Gallery of Art. Being from the DC area, I have walked through the doors of the National Gallery of Art many times and every time, I see something new.

What is your dream project? 

My dream project would be to design my own planner. Anyone who knows me, knows I'm a very organized person so getting to combine my love for art with my love for organizing would be amazing.

Name 3 artists you would like to be compared to. 

1. Caitlin McGauley

2. Inslee Haynes

3. Happy Menocal

Favorite or most inspirational place? 

This question is surprisingly difficult for me to answer. I find inspiration in so many places - whether it's at home, in D.C., or the strikingly-beautiful cities of Europe. Barcelona, hands down, is one of my very favorite places in the world.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? 

The best piece of advice I've been given is that whatever you give power to in your mind, is what will be. 

Professionally, what’s your goal? 

The exciting part of all of this, is that I don't know what path lays ahead. I would like to one day expand from selling original art and prints to other items, like note cards, calendars, planners and jewelry trays. I have many ideas, but have to remind myself to take one step at a time.

We could not be more excited to introduce Alabama-based artist, Elizabeth Hawke and feature her beautiful art on The Mintwood Art Shop!  When we first dreamt up The Art Shop, our goal was to find artists creating "forever" pieces that would instantly add a unique pop to your space.  Elizabeth Hawke's love for color, experimentation with texture, and confident sense of style made our job easy!

Q and A with Elizabeth:

How would you describe your style of painting? 

What mediums do you use? 

Your biggest inspirations? Your favorite artists?

What is the purpose behind your art?

Advice to other aspiring artists/creative students?

What’s your favorite Mintwood Home product?

I love everything about Mintwood. It's an avenue to create a fashionable home that is within reach. Great price points and stylish home accents allow you fulfill the space you have always hoped to live in.

What do you like to listen to while your painting?

Fill in the blank.

What is your dream project?

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? 

Professionally, what’s your goal?

Where are you from?

How would you describe your style of painting?

Your biggest inspirations? Your favorite artists?

Where does your passion for art come from?

Advice to other aspiring artists/creative students?

What’s your favorite Mintwood Home product?

What do you like to listen to while you're painting?

Fill in the blank. Art is...

Favorite art museum?

What is your dream project?

Favorite or most inspirational place?

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Professionally, what’s your goal?

 Image by Ariana Clare for Mintwood Home