I can confess, I am a terrible artist. I mean horrible, I really cannot even draw a proper stick figure. So when I came across these sweet and whimsical paintings by Houston based artist Lisa Chow, I was in awe.

I absolutely love your work! Tell us about yourself ::    I am a self taught artist/illustrator born, raised and currently residing in Houston, TX. Like most kids, I started drawing from a young age but unlike most kids, I never stopped. I always loved art but never took it more seriously than a side hobby. So, when it came time to choose a career, I received my business degree and worked in the corporate world for several years. While working a very routine office job, I started itching to do something creative. Slowly and tentatively, I gathered up a small collection of drawings and proceeded to sell them at a local art market. Having my work reviewed was terrifying but selling my work was intoxicating. The first seeds of a potential art career were planted and I couldn’t shake that dream even while sitting through hours of meetings and presentations. After a few years of building up my art as a side business, I decided it was time to pursue my creative endeavor full time. It has been a bumpy ride but a hundred times fulfilling.

What medium do you use? ::     I’ve experimented with everything; acrylics, oils, pastels, colored pencils, even clay. But I keep coming back to watercolors. I love watercolors’ ability to be sheer and delicate and ephemeral.

Typical questions, I know, but what inspires you?  ::     I draw a lot of inspiration from childhood. I love stories and fairy tales and magic and mystery. Childhood can be a place of whimsy and wonder but also loneliness and frustration.

Are you a big daydreamer?  ::    Absolutely. When you get lost in thought is when creativity is found.

And what else?  ::    I purposefully use delicate lines and subdued color palettes to give my illustrations a bit more sophistication. My hope is for my work to be appreciated by children and adults alike. I love when a parent buys one of my pieces for their child because it is something they both enjoy. I love hearing my work will be baby’s first piece in baby’s art collection.

– Stephanie

All paintings and prints by Lisa Chow

Remember if you are an artist or know someone who draws, paints or even scribbles awesome things for kids email me at stephanie@babiekinsmag.com