My colorful, bold and joyful gouache paintings are created with an intuitiveness that comes from a quiet contemplation of the world around me. I am often traveling, teaching and exploring in the US and abroad. The places I see, the inspirations and memories I find all become part of my work. The colors and vibe of the places I visit work their way into my paintings.

 In 2010 I made the move to switch careers from textile design to illustration, to fulfill a long held goal, and began a rigorous daily sketchbook project, doing a 30 minute painting every day. The looseness and intuitiveness of these paintings have become my signature style and they are the source of much inspiration to myself and others. I am endlessly amazed and satisfied to see my shelf filling up with completed sketchbooks. 

My work has been featured on many products and brands worldwide, including Anthropologie, Abrams Books, Chasing Paper, Chronicle Books, Eeboo, Kate Spade Home, Tocca, Seattle Chocolate Company, Roger LaBorde as well as many others. My books include three inspirational sketchbook journals published by Abrams that encourage and inspire people to develop their own daily drawing practice. My other book “All Hail the Queen” empowers girls and women through informative and fun illustrations of powerful woman monarchs throughout history.

 I studied at Rhode Island School of Design and spent the first half of my career as a textile designer and stylist in NYC.

@augustwren