Valerie Lanthier is a plein air painter living in Truckee, where the Sierra Nevada serves as both her studio and her inspiration. After her son was born, she took a long break from painting to put her limited energy toward motherhood.
But as her son grew, so did her desire to reclaim her creative time. And so, she found a solution: painting from her car during her son’s daily naps. Every day, she drives within a 20-mile radius of her home, stopping at a scene that catches her eye. From the driver’s seat with her son sleeping behind her, she captures these fleeting moments in paint, blending motherhood and artistry in a way that honors both.
These quick nap-time studies help Valerie develop her larger-scale pieces depicting women in the outdoors during moments of pause. This ongoing collection serves to remind viewers of the moments when they felt most empowered.
Valerie’s work can be found at Mountain Arts Collective in downtown Truckee, and on her Instagram @valeriestyle_art.
