big little mom|e n t s

Over the last few years, “big little moments” has become a big passion project. The story began a few years after I lost my mother to brain cancer when I became pregnant with my first son. I longed for her presence and began searching for my early childhood memories. I then realized it was never the big milestones that were most vivid; it was the seemingly insignificant everyday moments that held my heart. These moments inform my life as a mother and inspire my work.

My limited-edition charcoal sketches were born out of these experiences, and it is my honor to tell your family stories with my art.  

big little moments sketch

Mother + Sons

graphite charcoal and pastel on toned archival paper.

I look forward to sharing some special big little mom|ents with you from some of my favorite moms as we near closer to Mother's Day. Check back here and on social as I continue to share their stories and hopefully spread some love and magic along the way…

Sara Naghedi | Naghedi NYC

Sally King McBride | The Letter Nest

Nicole Katz | The Mat with Nicole Katz

OIL STUDIES

Oil painting is one of my favorite mediums. My traditional heirloom portraits are more highly detailed, and I wanted to find a less formal way to utilize my oil paints to capture the beauty of childhood. Thus, oil studies on exposed linen were born! These paintings are created all prima. The dichotomy of the fresh oil painting and the organic texture of the linen on full display is timeless yet modern.

ROBERT | 2022

oil on exposed linen

18 x 24 inches

My background is in fashion, and I wanted to honor the linen fabrication and allow it to have a more prominent place in the artwork. These paintings are looser in style and brushwork and allow even more freedom of expression.

SAM | 2022

oil on exposed linen

18 x 24 inches

This painting of my son is based on a snapshot my husband took at a cafe. I love that it is a real moment caught in time with all of its childish imperfections - his flipped collar, bunched shirt, and ruffled hair. This is childhood.

MARTHA | 2022

oil on exposed linen

12 x 16 inches

Although my oil waitlist is closed for 2023, I am accepting a select few Oil Study commissions. To reserve, please complete the form here, today.

UPDATED JAN 2023 - OIL STUDIES 2023 SOLD OUT. 2024 LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE.

With Love,

LP

CHARCOAL PORTRAITS

Dear Friends,

I am introducing the option to commission charcoal portraits. I have always enjoyed a limited color palettes and monochromatic artwork, so it’s no surprise that I have fallen in love with charcoal. I can work from client provided photos (snapshots are welcome upon approval) or you may schedule a sitting with me at my New York City studio. Charcoals are more accessible than oil portraits, but have the same capability of being long time family heirlooms when professionally framed and protected. If you would like to be added to my waitlist, please email studio@laurenphelps.com for more information.

Love,

LP

The Williams Siblings, 2020