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TCD: Tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from, and how did you find your way to Truckee? Lanthier: I made my way to Truckee in 2018 when my husband accepted a position as a local Firefighter. It had long been a dream of mine but felt so out of reach until his career opportunity arose. Before the move, I worked mostly from reference photos I'd take during my visits—so relocating to a place like this, where the landscapes that inspired me were right outside my window, felt like a huge step forward in both life and art. It's been the best decision we've made.
TCD: How did you first get started as an artist? Was there a defining moment that led you to pursue your art more seriously? Lanthier: Many are surprised to hear that my path into painting wasn't linear. I studied Graphic Design in college, and painting was actually my least favorite part of our curriculum—we were painting still lifes on a strict time limit, and the rigidity of this process felt counterintuitive to creativity. It wasn’t until years later when I dusted off my old materials to do a few commissions for friends, that I realized I just needed to approach it on my own terms. I started my painting career doing pet portraits and loved the meaningful nature of the work. Then, following the devastating Tubbs fire in Santa Rosa, I offered free house portraits for homes lost in the wildfire. There was an enormous response from the homeowners, as well as their friends and family and community as a whole. This project kept me painting consistently for months, driven by the sentimentality of the subject matter. It really helped me see just how central painting had become to my happiness, and so I decided to keep that rhythm going.
TCD: What medium or mediums do you work in, and what draws you to them? Lanthier: My choice of medium tends to ebb and flow. I was trained in oils, and that’s still what I use for larger, more intentional pieces. But a couple of years ago, I gave up my studio to turn it into my son’s nursery (a trade I welcomed). I didn’t paint for well over a year, partly because of the lack of energy that comes with new motherhood, and partly because I simply didn’t have the space. Then when my son got in the habit of falling asleep in the car, I'd park in a beautiful place so that he'd wake up to a pretty view. Every day I'd observe the landscape while drinking my coffee, mentally planning out a painting with my eyes. It became a routine I looked forward to. And after a few weeks of this, I decided to put my watercolor palette in the car for the next time inspiration struck. And it has struck every day since. These days, I use gouache more than anything—it’s portable like watercolor, but more opaque and forgiving, which makes it perfect for quick studies in the field. Oils are still my go-to for portraits and plein air landscapes when I'm on my own, and I opt for the safer acrylics when my son is with me. When I feel myself overworking my pieces, I pull out pastels to loosen back up. For me, it's not about sticking to one medium but rather using the right tool for the job.
TCD: Can you describe your creative process? Where do your ideas usually begin, and how do they take shape? Lanthier: I've realized over time that my work tends to reflect whatever I’m reaching out for. When I lived away from the mountains, they were my biggest source of inspiration. During the pandemic when I was feeling disconnected from other people, I turned to portraiture. And after becoming a mom—when things felt both beautiful and difficult—I was drawn to the ease of small paint studies. Painting has always been about painting in whatever's missing. My car nap series is really shaped by the weather. On rainy days, I drive until I find boulders to paint because their colors become so much more vivid when wet. When the sun is harsh and overhead, I try to find trees with interesting shadows cast upon their bark, and on days that are overcast, I look for reflective water.
TCD: What themes, messages, or emotions do you hope your art conveys to viewers? Lanthier: I hope my work feels like a deep breath—an invitation to pause and make time for yourself in the midst of everything else. If someone feels a little more grounded after looking at one of my paintings, then I’d consider it a successful piece. I want people to feel a little bit of the calm I feel while painting them.
TCD: Who or what inspires your work? Are there any artists, places, or personal experiences that have especially influenced you? Lanthier: To put it simply, I’m inspired by imperfect trees and imperfect people and the beauty in all of it.
What’s your favorite part of being an artist in Truckee? How has the local environment or community shaped your work? Lanthier: In places I’ve lived before, the culture often felt like people lived to work. Here, people work to live—and live fully. There’s a spirit of presence here that’s hard to describe. Our community goes all-in with pretty much everything they do. When you're surrounded by people who are constantly seeking joy, it gives you permission to do the same.
TCD: What challenges have you faced in your artistic journey, and how have you overcome them? Lanthier: This question is actually top of mind and I hope I can articulate it in the right way. I'm a big proponent of doing art for good. But it can be difficult to navigate a small business in a climate where views are rewarded higher than integrity. I was recently offered a chance to participate in a high-profile creative partnership through an artist collective I belonged to and deeply respected. But the clients in this partnership--political commentators--held views that directly conflicted with my values. And more importantly, held views that were harmful to the diverse and inclusive audience I’ve built over time. So this week, I chose to walk away from the collective altogether. It isn't easy to leave behind such a kind and supportive group of artists (or the financial security it offered), but I knew I had to stay true to myself and my community who trusts me to stand by our shared values.
TCD: What advice would you give to emerging artists or those just starting to explore their creativity? Lanthier: While working toward your creative goals, don't forget to play. It's so easy to get caught up in the style you'd like to achieve, but that style comes organically through many small acts of exploration of different mediums and subjects. Take the scenic road and your future work will thank you for it.
TCD: Where can people see or purchase your work (online or locally)? Lanthier: I’m proud to be represented by Mountain Arts Collective in Downtown Truckee, where I share the space with an immensely talented group of creatives. You can also purchase my work directly through me on Instagram: @valeriestyle_art
TCD: Lastly, what’s next for you? Any upcoming shows, projects, or creative goals on the horizon? Lanthier: Yes! I’m so excited to announce that I’ve spent the past few months illustrating the upcoming children’s book Ski Patrol Pups II, by Megan Butcher. It’s been such a rewarding project and a whole new creative challenge. I can't wait to read it to my son knowing all the love Megan and I have poured into it.
Photos: Paintings by Valerie Lanthier
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