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blog.mandylynne.com bio picture

simply me.

doing what i love. capturing the beauty of life all around me.

on-location, natural-light photographer.

join me on this creative journey!


“I want to be an artist when I grow up”

Actually my answer was a little different as a child.

When I was asked what I wanted my life occupation to be, I answered “Walmart” yes indeed : ) but I never did end up working there. It only seems like it’s my life occupation to shop there!

try again

I became interested in art at 11 yrs old. I sketched endlessly in a large art pad, then when I was 14 my parents enrolled me in oil painting classes at Painters Corner in Republic, MO.

The first time I sat down in front of a blank canvas I was so intimidated, but the teachers were excellent and I quickly realized what I could do with a little bit of paint.

I was forced to slow down & appreciate fine details.

After high school.. I became a graphic designer,  mural painter, and  photographer.

Once I learned the basics of art, it was easy to transfer one set of skills to another.

In many ways, I feel like my artistic journey is just beginning. It takes time to discover your own voice & style.

The process of creating is gratifying. exciting. exhilarating. frustrating. rewarding. overwhelming. consuming. energizing. & exhausting… ok, you get the picture. : )

I am trying to learn how to  balance my passion for art with the rest of my life and the special people in it.

It’s so good to have the love & support of people around me, and the skills & ability that enable me to live my dream.

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I decided to include in this post  a few examples of what I have been doing the last 10 yrs… faux/mural wall treatments & canvas pieces.

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One of my favorite projects was for Principe de Paz.. a girls home in Guatemala. I had the privilege to make some very worthy little girls home a bit more cheery!

The girls helped me paint the flowers on their Mary Englebreit mural.

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[shop update]

It’s time for a few  changes in my etsy shop {skippy designs}

My pink & aqua collection has been licensed & is now widely available many places online & elsewhere.

This is all a new experience for me, so I am more than a little excited about it! :)

I will be retiring most of the pink & aqua collection from my shop this weekend & introducing some exciting new ones.

pink mosaic to blog

{be my valentine}

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Hello friends.. I hope everyone has enjoyed this special day connecting with the ones they love.

We have enjoyed plenty of chocolate & shared lots of hugs & kisses at my house this weekend. : )

I thought I would take the time to share a little collection was inspired by one of my favorite color combinations red & aqua.

It is part of a larger art collection that has occupied much of my time this winter.

New prints will be added to my shop {Skippy Designs} soon!

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{winter album}

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I LOVE white winters. Luckily the sparkly powder has been plentiful this year.

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Nothing beats waking up to a world of white.

The excitement on little faces as they discover softly falling snow  is enough to make me feel like a child again!

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polaroid project {a year of Saturdays}

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I am so enjoying this project. Saturdays are reserved for family fun & date night!

portrait of a lady

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A late summer session with my beautiful sister Alisia. love her!

She is normally all smiles, but this time I asked for a quieter look. (next time I will let her be her giggly self! : )

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It feels so good to be editing again!

Where have I been?

Between computer woes and a large art project, I haven’t been able to sit at my computer for  awhile now.

Hoping to share more with you soon!

2010

A happy welcome & hello to 2010!

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(chalkboard hat inspired by my sister Charla)

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poloroid. project 1/52

{a year of Saturdays}

running on empty.

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If there is one photo that speaks to me more than the others that I have taken this year, it is this one.

(lucky for me, it was unposed)

It has a down & out feeling that reminds me of economic hard times.

Something we hear about on the news on a daily basis.. something that touches us deeply.

It’s been a particularly challenging year for several reasons, but my hope is that these experiences

are making me stronger, more resilient, a better & more caring human being.

I hold onto hope ..  and look forward to a fresh new year!

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lazy afternoon

another favorite..

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I bought some vintage newspaper comics off ebay with the idea of taking this picture.

I was looking for an old airstream, but we happened upon this great old house with a red door instead.

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It reminds me of a favorite memory… curling up everyday after school with my funnies and a bowl of ice cream!

I grew up without a TV so my memories include newspaper comics over cartoons.

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circa 1985

love me some silly piggy tails too! :)

hohoho :)

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Poor santa had a tough choice, but was ultimately wooed over by the tasty treats left out for him to enjoy.

Christmas was saved and it was wonderful… holly, jolly & wintery white!

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Have a great weekend everyone!