Not every piece will be your favorite, but it might be someone else’s. You never know what might touch someone else, and it’s not your job to tell them. Remember, you are your own worst critic. Once, I had a curator pick out a piece I wasn’t even going to show her.
As a part of our series about “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist” I had the pleasure of interviewing Lynne McDonald.
Since dedicating herself to her craft full-time in 2020, abstract artist Lynne McDonald has made a splash in Atlanta’s art scene, overcoming stereotypes and challenges to build a career she never thought imaginable. Her vibrant abstract artworks, infused with an organic quality inspire viewers to think big and embrace life. With paintings sold internationally and showcased in over 15 solo exhibitions, her work is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up between California and Georgia, the youngest of three. When I was in kindergarten, my teacher pulled my mother aside and told her I had some artistic talent. My mother ended up putting my brother and sister in art classes, but not me, as art was considered ancillary and not something someone makes a serious life pursuit.
As a teenager, my family moved around a lot. Life was unstable, and I think I prioritized stability because of that. I ended up with a career in tech, which provided a good income, but my love for it revolved around the creative aspects. I was always considered innovative in how I approached things, but it wasn’t until 2005 that I picked up a paintbrush for the first time.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
I had an image in my mind for almost a year before I finally went to the art store in 2005 and painted my first painting, but when I finished, I hung it on my wall and thought I’d quit while I was ahead. I thought it was a fluke and didn’t want to try again and fail.
I moved to Montreal and started a family. Life was good…. sort of. Five years later, I returned to Atlanta broken. My dreams were shattered. I was going through a divorce, had no job, and was a single mom to a little boy. I looked to painting to heal. It became my therapy and a metaphor for letting go.
When I’m in the studio, I’m completely focused on the moment. It’s like art chemistry. I pour on large canvases, and I manage the flow by remaining flexible and open-minded, which is exactly how I started looking at life. I posted pictures of my work, and people asked to buy them. I couldn’t believe it, but I just kept saying, “yes.” I am so grateful for the support of my community and that time in my life when I found hope for a new dream for my future.
Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
In 2019, four incredible entrepreneurial women and I formed a strategy group. It was an opportunity for us to bounce ideas off each other. At that point, I had too many careers going on. They told me to stop being a health coach and all these other endeavors and focus on art. So, in January 2020, I hit the ground running, scheduling shows throughout the year.
Of course, everything was canceled by mid-March, and we were all stuck at home. I had to do something fast to survive, so I started live-streaming art shows from my house and had the best year imaginable! If it were not for the support of those women, I don’t think I would’ve had the confidence.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
Besides working on some commissioned pieces for a home in Sea Island, FL, I’m excited to be invited to provide all the artwork for a beautiful lodge that’s being built in Ellijay, GA. It will be an Airbnb.
I’m also excited to add several new pieces and further my relationship with Art Fusion in the main square of Seaside, FL.
I’ve started painting a new series that will be out this spring, and I always have a large show around October that I start planning for now. Please follow my social media for show dates.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
Being chosen to be on the cover of Best Self Magazine’s “Over 40 and Fabulous” has connected me with the most amazing people in Atlanta, GA. The beautiful thing is that they are all so inspiring and encouraging. Having the support of such rock stars as chef Lisa Washington, producer Tran Bui, business mogul Peiru Kim, and director Fredrick Taylor, to name a few, has been incredibly rewarding and humbling.
I remember when Hal Blackman, somewhat of a local celebrity in the business world, sent me a message on Facebook asking me to create three massive pieces for his new building. At the opening ceremony, Mayor Andree cut the ribbon, and everyone filtered inside. There was my large painting in his lobby to greet them. I was nervous and proud at the same time. Those were my first large commercial pieces.
Where do you draw inspiration from? Can you share a story about that?
I have learned that sometimes when you think life has broken you, it’s actually broken you open. I am inspired every day by reminders in nature to let go of the things we cannot control and go with the flow. It might just take you in a better direction than you thought possible.
How have you used your success to bring goodness to the world?
My artwork healed me when everything fell apart. It was my way to restore my life from chaos. I hope viewers feel inspired to take the leap and embrace all that life has to offer. You are worth it!
In recent years, I’ve supported charities such as Camp Kudzu, JDRF, Alzheimer’s Research, Beloved Atlanta, and Covenant House by donating countless paintings to raise funds and awareness.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
1. Not every piece will be your favorite, but it might be someone else’s. You never know what might touch someone else, and it’s not your job to tell them. Remember, you are your own worst critic. Once, I had a curator pick out a piece I wasn’t even going to show her.
2. Paint every day. At times, when I put all my focus into other aspects of my business, it stalled my creative momentum. It’s important to keep stretching.
3. Don’t try to convince anyone to look at your work. It won’t touch everyone and don’t feel bad if someone walks by. Put energy into finding the ones with whom your work resonates.
4. Find inspiration in chaos. Beauty can be found more easily when it’s contrasted.
5. Don’t compare yourself. Everyone’s journey is different.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I don’t want you to see just a pretty painting. I want you to see the restoration of chaos — a symbol of hope! I would love people to understand that we are all on this journey together, and sometimes, an end is really a beginning.
We have been blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she just might see this.
For me, that person is Sara Blakely. She’s an incredible inspiration, fearlessly chasing her dreams and reshaping her life. With her roots in Atlanta and a mother who was an artist, I feel a deep connection to her journey. She stands as a beacon of hope for everyone.
What is the best way our readers can follow you on social media?
Lynne McDonald Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/lynnemcdonaldsgallery/
Lynne McDonald Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/lynnemcdonaldsart/
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
Lynne McDonald: 5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I First Became An Artist was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.