LAURYN TAYLOR, an award winning painter and motivational workshop instructor, is known for her work as an acrylic and encaustic abstract colorist. Her background includes a 5-year BFA program at the Cleveland Institute of Art, with a major in Graphic Design/Photography. This was followed by an exciting design career with American Greetings Corporation, and the eventual launch of her own line of greeting cards. Most recently, Lauryn founded a progressive contemporary art gallery and art workshop business in Carmel, CA. Currently she divides her time between teaching a variety of workshops and painting in her Whidbey Island studio. Passionate about sharing information and teaching with a fun, non-judgmental approach, Lauryn believes strongly in helping each painter to recognize, embrace, and develop their individual strengths as an artist. Many painters return for multiple workshops and enjoy a supportive, long-term mentoring relationship.