Daily Inspiration: Meet Bayley Wilson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bayley Wilson.

Hi Bayley, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
After graduating from UCLA with my degree in Art History in 2015, I began teaching in a 1st-grade classroom at an elementary school here in the San Fernando Valley and stayed teaching at the elementary grade level for seven years. During the pandemic, as many of us did, I took up an old hobby of mine: painting! After ordering what I thought was a box of acrylic paints, I struggled to thin the paint with water, which made me realize I had actually bought oil paints. Oil was a medium I was not at all experienced with, so thus began my learning journey. I spent the majority of 2020 teaching myself the basics of how to use the medium, often re-creating famous Impressionist works of art in oil (Van Gogh and Monet namely). I found that simply by studying these painters’ styles and techniques, it allowed my own artistic practice to develop and grow.

From 2020 on, I haven’t put my paintbrushes down, and in 2022 I decided to quit my full-time teaching job in order to pursue a career as an artist. However, I am still incredibly passionate about teaching and did not want to fully leave that world, so I have also transitioned from a classroom teacher role into that of a teaching artist. In 2022 I joined LACMA’s Mobile Education team, where we visit schools all across Los Angeles, doing art-making and object handling with 6th and 7th grade classes. I also teach art in classrooms as a visiting artist-in-resident, as well as after-school programs and private lessons.

Currently, my art practice has expanded, and I now have taken up digital illustration. Both my paintings and illustrations focus on landscape and the world around me, and I aspire to evoke a feeling of nostalgia and simplicity within the work. It has been an incredible journey, and I look forward to what’s ahead for me in the future!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have encountered a fair amount of challenges, especially after leaving the comfort and consistency of a full-time job. There were certain realities that I expected upon leaving my career, but one that I didn’t anticipate was the loneliness. Being an artist can be isolating at times, as everyone’s practice is uniquely different than your own. It was difficult at first trying to find like-minded artists like myself, but I have now found a community of people who are incredibly supportive and encouraging, which makes it easier to navigate the difficulties.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work in oil paint as well as digital illustration. My oil paintings typically focus on landscapes and the natural world around me. More specifically, I paint our Southern California landscape, ranging from the Channel Islands, the Santa Monica Mountain range, and the sprawling Mojave Desert. I love working with the wide varieties of colors found in these spaces and enjoy experimenting with different shades and tones.

Because of the versatility and dynamic nature of digital art, I have begun to explore different themes. Edward Hopper is one of my favorite artists, and I have found his work particularly inspiring when it comes to my digital work. My digital collections are inspired by 1930’s-50’s Americana and road culture. I hearken back to simpler times and want my work to evoke a sense of nostalgia for its viewers regardless of their age. I have different collections focusing on different themes that include Route 66, classic Neon signs, classic motels, and more!

As someone who is solely self-taught, it has been a journey to educate myself, so to see the continued progress is something I’m incredibly proud of.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
One thing I have learned is to always ask questions, reach out to others, and put yourself out there. The worst anyone can say is “no”, and there is never a guarantee that will be the answer!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artfuleducatorla.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bayleypaints/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Theartfuleducatorla
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayley-wilson/
• Other: https://www.inprnt.com/profile/bayleypaints/