Biography
Shayna Larsen is a watercolor artist. Originally from Illinois, Shayna attended the University of
Missouri earning a B.A. in Fine Arts while on a softball scholarship. Next came a move to Chicago
and a successful career in graphic design for several prestigious agencies and brands. After getting
married, having two kids and moving to Colorado, Shayna decided to pick up a brush again.
On her front porch turned art studio, Shayna explored many painting mediums including oils,
acrylics, encaustics and even pottery. It was when she started working in watercolor that she knew
she had found her calling.
Shayna has developed a technique that embraces the unpredictable flow of water across the paper. She
does not attempt to dictate the movement. Rather, she works in a dance with the pigments. The
translucent nature of her pigments allows a layering that produces both rich contrasts and subtle
details.
Shayna lives at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado. She loves outdoor living
with her husband and teenage kids, a dog named Bear and a rabbit named Butterfly.
As a watercolor artist specializing in monochromatic wildlife portraits, I explore the delicate
interplay between brushstroke and pigment. Inspired by the fluidity of watercolor, my aim is to
capture the spirit of majestic animals with loose, expressive strokes while leaving room for
interpretation.
By inviting viewers to engage as co-creators, I hope to evoke a sense of wonder and
connection with nature, ultimately fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the natural
world.