Laura Lobdell
Artist and Owner 

A note from Laura:
I create coastal-inspired art and products to share my love of the ocean. It’s my hope that by bringing my art into your home, you’ll feel transported back to your favorite coastline; perhaps treasuring a piece I’ve created as you’ve once treasured gifts collected from the sea.

A little about me... 

I began my career in graphic design, and much of what I do today is rooted in and well served by my design background. After years creating behind a computer screen, I longed for a more tactile art form as a way to rest and recharge my digital creativity. I picked up my children’s Crayola watercolor paint and began to play alongside them. I’d never touched watercolor paint before. I painted with no pressure, no assignment, just the joyful freedom of creating. It was in these carefree moments that I fell in love with watercolor.

I began to play and explore, painting things around me that fascinated me, like the inside of an oyster shell. Then I began to paint the things that I wished existed, like a prettier version of nautical navigation charts. After posting a few of these online and seeing the response, I knew where Printed Hues was headed next. I left behind much of the digitally-based graphic design world, picked up my paintbrushes and haven’t looked back since.

 

Since 2017, I’ve been creating coastal-inspired watercolor art and products that can be found in nearly 50 retail stores across the US, in addition to what I offer online here. After working solo for years, it was time to expand the team to better serve my retail partners. Serendipitously, I held a watercolor workshop that Nicole attended last minute. She simply asked if I was looking for help, not because she was looking for a job, but because she loved the art and creativity of Printed Hues. Little did she know, I was ready to expand my brand, and she has been working alongside me ever since. With her help, I have been able to focus on creating more art and products while she focuses on expanding our retail footprint and customer care. Together we are focused on creating even more beautiful, high quality art and products for you to enjoy.

 

Nicole Montgomery
Account Manager

Meet Nicole…

Nicole has an extensive background in marine biology and veterinary technology. Her passions for both the ocean and coastal art brought her to Printed Hues after years of working in aquariums and managing a sea turtle rehabilitation hospital. Nicole lives in Wilmington, North Carolina with her husband, daughter and fluffy dog, Snow.