Laurie Parker

Boise, Idaho | Gouache, Watercolor & Oil | Plein Air & Landscape

“Keep it simple.”

Laurie Parker’s journey into plein air painting began with a neighbor. After moving to Boise from California in 2004, an across-the-street neighbor introduced her to plein air painting and sparked a creative passion that has continued ever since.

Although Laurie had studied art at the University of New Mexico, she didn’t begin painting regularly until that early-2000s introduction to painting outdoors. She has been exploring the possibilities of plein air ever since.

Before retiring in 2024, Laurie owned a boutique dental laboratory and worked as an editor for a small publishing company. Now, with more time to devote to art, she is looking forward to painting more and continuing to explore new mediums and ideas.

Painting En Plein Air

For Laurie, plein air painting is both exhilarating and calming. Rolling her art cart into a light-filled, spacious outdoor setting can bring an initial moment of uncertainty: “Can I capture what I see—or more importantly, what I feel?”

But once she begins painting, the distractions of everyday life seem to settle away. Painting outdoors, especially alongside friends, gives her an opportunity to slow down, explore familiar and new locations, and reconnect with the world around her.

“It keeps me sane!” she says.

An Artist’s Vision

Laurie describes her approach not so much as an artist statement, but as an “artist’s vision.” She is continually captivated by remarkable moments of light—a glow on a building, a landscape transformed by the sun, or even the simplest everyday scene.

Her goal is to find a way to capture what she feels as effortlessly as possible. Her favorite paintings are often the ones created most freely, with few details.

“Keep it simple” is the guiding principle.

Her creative process continues to evolve. Gouache is currently her favorite plein air medium because of its versatility, but retirement has given her the opportunity to explore watercolor and return to oils. Whatever the medium, her goal remains the same: to capture a sense of light, spontaneity, and simplicity.

A Few Highlights

Laurie’s paintings have earned numerous ribbons at the Western Idaho State Fair, including several blue and red ribbons and the Judges Choice Award in 2023 for a small oil painting. She has also received recognition at the Eagle Plein Air Festival.

Beyond the Easel

Laurie has a creative life that extends well beyond painting. Years ago, she wrote and illustrated two children’s books, published under the name of her great-great-grandmother, Ellen Troy.

She enjoys practicing Tai Chi, continues to do freelance editing, and especially loves walking. The Boise Greenbelt, downtown streets, and even her neighborhood provide endless opportunities to notice something beautiful.

After all, for an artist who is always looking for the remarkable in the ordinary, there is inspiration everywhere.

Instagram: @laurieinboise