Meet Laura Graybeal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Graybeal.

Hi Laura, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always had an affinity for art. I was fortunate to attend excellent magnet schools in Raleigh and chose to take art-based electives whenever I could. It wasn’t until much later in life that I realized the exposure I had to art in elementary school and beyond was an uncommon gift.

I knew I liked creating but I was never confident that my work had value. I experienced a tipping point when studying in Florence, Italy in college. I signed up for a drawing class and blindly walked in on the first day to three nude models posed for artistic study. Following the initial reaction of shock one might expect from a 20-year-old American girl, I learned so much that semester. That class, and more specifically, that quirky and unfiltered Italian art teacher, gave me the confidence boost I needed to continue creating.

I have a master’s degree in education and taught elementary school for several years. I’m passionate about that, too, so I never planned on art as a vocation. As a young professional, I admired art but didn’t have the budget for “real” pieces. I took inspiration from artists I loved and started painting canvases to adorn the otherwise undecorated rental house I shared with my new husband. Friends who visited were encouraging and started asking if they could buy art off my walls or commission me to paint pieces for their homes.

Soon, friends of friends were buying pieces and now complete strangers collect my art. It’s all happened organically and has been a truly exciting venture. My family, friends, and particularly my husband, have been my biggest cheerleaders.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My biggest challenge has been leaning into vulnerability. I’ve struggled with self-doubt and comparison. There are so many talented artists in the world and I’ve often wondered if I’m really good enough to be respected in the art community. I’ve held onto the mantra, “comparison is the thief of joy” for many years now. If I don’t take chances, I know I’ll miss opportunities.

Setting aside time to work has been another roadblock. I have two young children, ages 3 and 1, who have been with me 24/7 during the pandemic. It’s been tough to find a balance between being as present as I desire to be with them and making time to invest in this blossoming business.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I love color! I like to think that most of my paintings could be described as fun, cheerful, happy, bright, etc. I work with mostly acrylic paint but sometimes use oil pastels and also dabble in watercolor. I’m inspired by the incredible colors and patterns found in nature. I could stare at tropical fish for hours, fascinated by their intricacy, depth of design, and magnificent hues. I’m also inspired by the water, particularly quiet marshes, having spent many summers on the coast of North Carolina. Many of my pieces are abstract or land/seascapes but I don’t limit myself to those styles if I feel inclined to try something different.

I love the idea of supporting new art collectors as they begin to replace mass-produced art with original works they love. The cost of original art can be intimidating so I try to offer options that fit many budgets. I always tell those who have commissioned me that my feelings will never be hurt by feedback. I hope that each commissioned piece exceeds the expectations of the collector and brings joy and light into their space.

Is there any pricing information that is relevant to our readers? If so, and if you would like us to share it, please include details (in bullet form) below.

Some of work can currently be found at For Your Convenience/Gallery 5 in Five Points (Raleigh, NC), as well as Beaufort Linen Co. (Beaufort, NC).  I also have limited pieces available on my website.  Instagram is the best way to see new pieces when they become available.

Here is my current commission pricing – please note many other size options are available.  Email laura@lulugrayart.com to start a conversation with me about a commissioned piece.

• 16×20 – $250
• 20×20 – $280
• 20×24 – $320
• 24×30 – $380
• 30×36 – $440
• 36×36 – $475
• 36×40 – $520
• 30×48 – $550
• 36×48 – $590

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I want my creative process to be as fun and joyful as possible. If I get to a place of stress because I’ve taken on too much, I think my work suffers. I’m definitely driven by the momentum that comes with selling art, but am learning to set boundaries in this season with young children.

Contact Info:

• Email: laura@lulugrayart.com
• Website: www.lulugrayart.com
• Instagram: @lulugrayart

Image Credits
Oyster and easel photos by Baley Reeves.