Thursday, January 13, 2011

Old family painting

Family history is very important to me.  The maternal side of my family came to America in the early 1600's.  Three hundred years later, Grandma went and married a foreigner.  A wonderful man from Sweden, Bert Anderson.  When he left, his mother gave him a painting of his farmhouse so he wouldn't forget home.  It was painted in the 1800's.  It came through Ellis Island with him.  I have slept in the upper right bedroom.  The family has been living on their land for over 250 years.  The painting will be passed on to my son, Brandon, and then to my grandson Shawn.

Old family painting

Family history is really important to me.  The maternal side of my family came to America in the very early 1600's.  Well, after 300 years, Grandma went and married a foreigner....A wonderful man from Sweden, Bert Anderson.  When he came to America, his mother gave him this painting of his farmhouse to never forget his home.  It came thru Ellis Island with him.  It was painted in the 1800's.  I have slept in the bedroom upper right.  The family has lived on this land for over 250 years.  It is now mine, and will be passed on to my son Brandon, and then to my Grandson Shawn. 

Family Heirloom

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Laurie Ragan, the artist.......

Somewhere....in all of us, there is an artist of some sort...my mom knew it was in me when I was 3!  
So, I can say, it has been a life long obsession!

I have turned what started out to be "mom's little hobby" many years ago, into a successful business with fine art, murals, and decorative faux finishes.

Subdued earth-tones and an exemplary attention to detail, my fondness for old world architecture, romantic midievel castles, and my Season's of the Moon  4 seasons series of moon related subjects have become my trademark.
My latest series, the Halloween Collection, and Winter Magic Collection have been a great success.

I am very fortunate to have created a following of collectors and clients for fine art and captivating murals.

I have done murals and faux finishes in hundreds of homes and businesses throughtout northern and central Illinois.  If you are interested in commissioning me for my work, or are interested in purchasing prints of my paintings,  you may contact me at raganart@hotmail.com, facebook, or 815-325-4320.  Please feel free to post a comment!
                               
                                                                                               Laurie

The Artist in me.........