In today’s artist spotlight, we meet Elaine Lee of Dear Elaine. I discovered her on Instagram, where I find many artists these days, and I was immediately drawn to her whimsical illustrations. From florals to sketches of her travels, I also enjoy watching her videos as she shows the process of creating one of her sketches.
In this Q&A, Elaine gives an inside look into her chosen medium of mixed media, when she first started creating her color recipe books, and her collaboration with Caran d’Ache.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I realized I wanted to be an artist as early as elementary school. However, family and neighbors discouraged me, saying artists only succeed after death. Encouraged to take a more practical path, I pursued design school instead of fine arts, but my love for art never faded.
Your mediums of choice go between colored pencils, pastels, and gouache watercolors. What drew you to these mediums and the textures they can create?
I’m drawn to mixed media because I love playing with texture. The versatility of gouache, from its opaque quality to a more watercolor effect when diluted, excites me. Layering colored pencils adds a beautiful dry texture and fine detail, while watercolor pastels bring a fresh dimension to my work. Mixing these mediums helps me convey subjects more expressive and whimsically.
When did you start creating your color recipe books and what do you enjoy the most about them?
I began my color recipe books after my Kickstarter campaign’s success, though I had been planning them before. I created the book to share the custom color mixes I use in my art, as people often asked where I bought certain shades. Instead of explaining each time, I developed simple, interactive formulas to help other artists recreate the colors. As a bit of a nerd, I enjoyed making the book interactive, with clickable color indexes that take you straight to the color recipes.
Florals are frequently featured in the artwork you create. What are some of your favorite flowers to paint?
I love painting various flowers and spent 2023 drawing around 100 species. I enjoy the process of focusing on one subject at a time as it hones my skills. If I had to pick a favorite, I’d say the lily of the valley—it’s delicate and a Biblical flower I enjoy.
You recently shared a glimpse into the campaign you did with Caran d’Ache where you take us along with you to Seville, Spain. Tell me about how this collaboration came about.
I’ve always loved using Caran d’Ache tools, so I reached out to collaborate last year, though I didn’t expect a response. Months later, they contacted me, and that’s how the “Travel with Caran d’Ache” campaign began. My Seville trip had already happened, but we decided to use my photos to highlight the city’s beauty. We focused on the iconic Sevillian oranges, which are famously bitter and made into marmalade, creating a vivid connection between my experience and their products.
What was one of your favorite drawings from the trip?
My favorite sketch from that trip is probably of a cat peeking out from a window next to a house with laundry drying above. It perfectly captured the everyday charm of Seville.
What did you enjoy the most about creating beautiful sketches in using the pencils and pastels from Caran d’Ache?
I loved how seamlessly the Caran d’Ache colors blended with the scenery. The harmony between the tools and the landscapes of Seville made the experience all the more enjoyable.
You create beautiful videos of your artwork as you paint/draw. How has sharing your work in this way helped you grow as an artist?
Sharing my work through videos allows others to step into my creative process. By creating tutorial-style content, I’ve found joy in teaching and inspiring others. The positive response has led me to expand into teaching through classes, workshops, and retreats, where I help others find their artistic path.
What is the most recent piece you’ve created?
Right now, I’m focusing on people drawings as part of my new art class, “Illustrative People,” where I teach how to stylize and draw figures. My latest works are sketches from this series.
Leave a Reply