Meet Lauren Arens of Lauren OBrien Art LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Arens.

Hi Lauren, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I kicked off my career in live event painting nearly six years ago, all thanks to a random DM on Instagram that asked, “Would you ever paint at a wedding?” Naturally, I said yes! And that first wedding was at the Nashville Symphony, no less! I left that event feeling like I’d just had the most fun ever (and honestly, I still feel that way!). From that magical day, my number of events has doubled every year, and I’ve been loving every colorful moment of the journey!

Since then, I’ve worked my way up to becoming one of Nashville’s go-to live wedding and event painters! I absolutely love creating personalized on-site paintings of special moments, watercolor guest portraits that bring all the smiles, and jaw-dropping temporary art installations — think custom artwork on stages and dance floors that leave everyone in awe! It’s been such a blast turning events into unforgettable masterpieces!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’ve always had that artist’s spark inside me, but I wasn’t exactly sure how to turn it into something real. After all, I spent a decade as an elementary special education teacher before finally diving headfirst into the world of art! It wasn’t an easy leap—I had to build up the confidence to take the plunge. But once I did, and finally had the time to focus on growing my creative business, things really started to bloom! I had no idea I could actually make a living as an artist, or turn my dreams into a reality, but here I am—living proof that you totally can! Following your dreams, using every piece of who you are to create something beautiful—it’s all possible.

As you know, we’re big fans of Lauren OBrien Art LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What I mainly offer are live wedding and event paintings — think canvas paintings created right on site, capturing all the action and excitement happening around you at your event. My live event paintings always start with a design consult and end with professional framing services, making it truly fine artwork that you’ve had a part in dreaming up! I also create watercolor guest portraits, which are mini masterpieces painted on the spot and turned into personalized party favors for guests to take home. It’s all about making the event extra special and leaving everyone with a one-of-a-kind memory.

I have a whole collection of watercolor venue illustrations on my website. These beautiful pieces are available as personalized prints, guestbooks, and guest signature mats — a special way to capture the memories of your big day! On the website you’ll also find the opportunity to commission a watercolor painting of your bouquet, champagne bottle with your venue or monogram on it, or a painting of your favorite wedding photo. It’s the perfect keepsake that lets you relive those moments every time you look at it.

I truly specialize in (and am most proud of!) making my clients feel like family! My goal is to leave every event not just as a vendor, but as a guest who’s been part of the celebration. I absolutely love chatting with my clients’ friends and family, laughing, dancing, and even enjoying a piece of that delicious celebratory cake! Relationships are everything to me. If there’s one thing my background as an elementary school teacher has taught me, it’s that relationships are the heart and soul of everything. The connections you build are so meaningful and lasting, and that’s exactly what I aim to bring to every event — a sense of connection, warmth, and a little extra sparkle!

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Some of you may not know this, but I spent almost 10 years as an elementary teacher! Most of those years were in special education, but I also got to teach a few years of fourth grade. One of my last years teaching was all on Zoom, and while it was definitely a challenge, it ended up being my absolute FAVORITE experience! I felt like I was on the Today Show every day, chatting with my little crew of students. Those years were definitely tough, but the memories and the kids I worked with will always hold such a special place in my heart!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.laurenobrienart.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenobrienart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laurenobrienart/
• Other: Email: [email protected]