We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lynn Hurley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Lynn, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding my purpose was less like a dramatic movie montage and more like losing my car keys—it was there all along, just hiding under a pile of life’s chaos.
As a kid, I spent countless hours on the floor with crayons, sketching scenes from my wild imagination. I didn’t call it “art” back then; it was just fun. Fast-forward to adulthood, and the world started shouting, “Be practical!” So I tucked my creativity away like an old sweater I thought I’d outgrown and chased “serious” things—degrees, jobs, societal approval. Spoiler alert: none of them fit.
My “aha” moment wasn’t glamorous. It came during a tough time in my life, one of those “eat ice cream for dinner and hope nobody notices” periods. Out of sheer desperation, I picked up a paintbrush for the first time in years. The canvas didn’t care about my résumé or my doubts—it just let me be. That messy, emotional painting session was like shaking hands with my soul.
From there, I began sharing my art—tentatively at first, like peeking out from behind a curtain. To my surprise, people resonated with it. It wasn’t just my outlet; it became a shared experience, a kind of collective therapy. I eventually enrolled in an online art school, and suddenly, I wasn’t just creating—I was living with purpose.
Now, preparing for The Outstanding Artist, I carry all those messy, colorful pieces of my journey with me. Finding my purpose wasn’t about a perfect plan or a singular moment of clarity. It was about listening to that quiet voice saying, “This is who you are,” and being brave—or stubborn—enough to follow it.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Hi, I’m Lynn, the artist behind Lynn Hurley Art. My work centers around storytelling through bold colors, layered textures, and a touch of whimsy. Most of my paintings focus on women and the feminine experience, capturing the raw, messy, and beautiful moments that connect us all. My pieces aren’t just meant to decorate walls—they’re meant to spark emotions, start conversations, and create meaningful connections.
What makes Lynn Hurley Art unique is how deeply personal it is. Each piece I create holds a narrative—sometimes my own, often inspired by the shared experiences of womanhood or fleeting moments that deserve to be celebrated. I like to think of my art as a language that speaks when words fall short.
Right now, I’m thrilled to be competing on The Outstanding Artist! It’s an incredible opportunity to share my work with a larger audience, challenge my creativity, and connect with art lovers and creators alike. Outside of the competition, I’m focusing on expanding my collection, working on custom commissions, and growing my online presence to reach people who seek art that resonates with them on a personal level.
At its core, Lynn Hurley Art is about celebrating creativity as a universal language. You don’t need to be an artist or step into a gallery to experience the magic of art—it’s about finding pieces that speak to you, that inspire your own story, and that add a little beauty to your day.
So, if you’re looking for artwork that celebrates the feminine experience, tells a story, or simply brightens your space, I’d love for you to visit me at Lynn Hurley Art. Together, let’s create a world that’s a little more vibrant, one brushstroke at a time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Authenticity
The ability to stay true to myself and my story has been the foundation of my art. My work focuses on women and the feminine experience, and being authentic in how I approach those themes is what makes my pieces resonate. Authenticity isn’t just about being honest—it’s about being brave enough to show the world who you are, imperfections and all.
Advice: Spend time figuring out what truly inspires you and makes you feel alive. Don’t try to fit into trends or mimic what others are doing. The more personal and genuine your work is, the more powerful it becomes.
2. Resilience and Adaptability
The creative journey isn’t a straight path—it’s full of twists, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Whether it was facing rejection, stepping out of my comfort zone, or learning new skills, resilience has been key to moving forward. Being adaptable—like when I shifted my focus to online platforms or tried new techniques—has kept me growing and evolving as an artist.
Advice: View challenges as opportunities to learn. Rejection doesn’t define you; how you respond to it does. Keep experimenting, keep creating, and remember that every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.
3. Storytelling
At the heart of my art is storytelling—capturing emotions, experiences, and perspectives in a way that connects with others. Whether through color, texture, or the themes I explore, I’ve learned how to tell stories that resonate on a deeper level.
Advice: Think about what you want your work to say and how it will make people feel. Storytelling isn’t just for words—it’s in every brushstroke, every decision you make. Practice finding your voice and let your work reflect your unique perspective.
For those starting out, I’d say: embrace your journey with patience and curiosity. The combination of authenticity, resilience, and storytelling doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built piece by piece, moment by moment. Trust that your passion will guide you, and don’t be afraid to let your story shine.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, my first instinct is to pause. I’ve learned the hard way that pushing through stress without a break often leads to frustration or burnout, so I take a moment to step back and breathe. Sometimes it’s as simple as making a cup of tea, going for a walk, or even just sitting in silence to reset.
For me, art itself is also a big part of my strategy. When life feels chaotic, I turn to creating—not with the goal of producing something perfect, but to process what I’m feeling. There’s something about putting color to canvas that helps me sort through my thoughts and find clarity.
Another trick? Breaking things down into smaller pieces. Overwhelm often comes from looking at the whole mountain instead of just the next step. I make a list of manageable tasks, focus on one thing at a time, and celebrate even the tiniest progress.
Advice:
Find Your Reset Button: Whether it’s movement, music, or mindfulness, figure out what helps you calm the storm in your mind. Give yourself permission to pause—it’s not wasted time; it’s necessary.
Lean Into Your Outlet: Whether you’re an artist, a writer, or someone who loves to bake, channel your energy into something that grounds you. Creativity can be incredibly therapeutic.
Take It Step by Step: When everything feels like too much, start small. Even the smallest step forward can help you regain control.
Remember, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed—it’s part of being human. The key is to acknowledge it, take a breath, and remind yourself that you’ve overcome challenges before and can do it again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lynnHurleyArt.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lynnHurleyArt
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/lynnhurleyart
- Linkedin: facebook.com/lynnhurleyart
Image Credits
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