Artist and textile designer Riley Sheehey skillfully toes the line between whimsy and elegance. From intricately painted playing cards, ornaments, and seashells to “pasta ballerinas” and Birkenstock sandals, her watercolor and multimedia creations reinvigorate childhood wonder and curiosity. With nearly half a million Instagram followers and some massive collaborations under her belt, get to know this Southern artist taking the paint on her palette to new, playful places.
Tell us a bit about your younger years. Were you always creative?
I’ve always loved to paint and draw. I was always making little paper houses and dolls. I have also always loved working with kids as a camp counselor and a swim instructor. When I was deciding my college major, my guidance counselor suggested art education. So, I went to school to become an art teacher.
During the first few years of teaching at an elementary/middle school, I didn’t make much art, but I learned about being a teacher and lesson planning.
PinHow did this art endeavor begin, and where is it now?
I started painting Mason jars back when everyone was using them for weddings and decor. Then, I realized it takes a long time to paint a Mason jar. I had no idea how to ship them, and people were not that interested. So, I switched gears to painting watercolors for girlfriends or coworkers who needed help with wedding invitations or gifts for showers or holidays. People started commissioning me to make portraits, and word of mouth spread from there.
PinI officially launched my business in 2014. My orders came from friends, family, and sorority sisters for the first few years. But starting around 2016, many people were finding me through Etsy or messaging me on Instagram because they’d gotten a wedding invitation from a friend who’d used me. It got to a point where I was working nonstop.
Everyone who starts a small business tends to have this moment. So, I went part-time at my teaching job that spring, and the extra time gave me the confidence to say, “Okay, I can do this full-time.”
You work across so many artistic platforms. How do you learn all these things?
What do they say? Jack of all trades; master of none? That’s me. I do like to try many different mediums. The art and art education classes I took in college gave me a good foundation — especially the drawing classes.
I’m the type of person who doesn’t read directions. I just want to get my hands on it right away, for better or worse. By trying many different things, I’ve figured out what I like and don’t like. My artistic style has evolved over the years, the longer I experiment. I’ve gotten more confident in trying out different mediums.
Can you share one trial that went well and maybe one that didn’t?
During Covid, my friend told me about these fluid acrylic paints that basically work like watercolors. Acrylic paint is usually chunky and harder to move around, but these paints stick to almost anything. So, I discovered this medium that was a lot like watercolor, which I was super comfortable with but could also use to paint on anything. I could paint on ornaments, books, playing cards, you name it.
PinAs far as the flops go, one that I still talk to my studio manager about is when I started pouring resin. It sticks to everything, it’s permanent, it’s flammable, and it’s very toxic. I had to get goggles and so many supplies. It’s tough to do successfully.
I’m not a perfectionist, but it would have been better if I had measured things and followed directions. My daughter was also six or seven months old when I decided to try it out — probably wasn’t the best time.
Is there a “trend” you’re loving these days?
Something I’m so inspired by right now, and seeing everywhere, is homes that look like they’re actually lived in. I love to see interior designers putting children’s crayon pictures on the wall as artwork.
I’ve always loved the personal aspect of artwork and art making. Those are the projects that have ended up resonating with the most people. Things that either started as personal projects for me or as gifts for somebody I’m close to. I love that we are bringing life back into the home.
PinIs there a partnership you’ve done that made you think, “Now, THIS is cool!”?
For each partnership I’ve worked on, I’ve taken something away that’s helped build my brand or reach a larger audience. I recently worked on some children’s clothing patterns for Ralph Lauren, a brand I grew up with. When they reached out, I was so thrilled to collaborate. Now, my daughter is walking around in pajamas with my art. I thought she would think it was way cooler. She was interested for a second, then moved on.
What’s a common misconception people have about your career as an artist?
I spend much less time making artwork than I thought I would. On a really good day, I spend about three to four hours creating. The rest of the time is spent in meetings, on the phone, writing emails, or planning ahead. It’s more like any other job than you would think.
PinWhat’s something people are surprised to learn about you?
I’m a pizza connoisseur. I’ve tried almost every pizza in my area. Wherever I go, I always order pizza and have a rating system.
Where can we find you on your days off?
I go for a run at some point. If it’s nice, we’ll walk to the farmers’ market. I’ll paint while my daughter naps, and then we’ll go meet friends at a brewery in the afternoon. Our life can sometimes feel like the movie Groundhog Day, but I have always been a homebody, so it lends itself well to my personality.
PinWhat’s the best advice you’ve received?
It’s from my dad. At high school graduation, our parents wrote us letters with advice. I got his framed, and it sits on my desk: “Take time to dream; we are nothing without our dreams. Thank the Lord for all your blessings. You have so many. Start planning how you will use your many blessings to achieve your dreams. Enjoy the journey. In my experience, the journey is far more rewarding than the outcome. Let your family participate in the journey. We will always be there for you.”
Besides faith, family, and friends, name three things you can’t live without.
Running, art, and takeout.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Who else is inspiring you right now? The photographer Lisa Sorgini. She captures parents and children in the most beautiful way.
Favorite recent book or podcast? The Sequel … it’s the sequel to the book The Plot.
Bucket list vacation destination? Ireland! I’m going next week.
Favorite “hidden gem” in the DC area? Dunbarton Oaks. It’s an estate with beautiful grounds and gardens that are filled with flowers in the spring.
Go-to birthday present to give? I usually paint something for family members. For friends, I like to take them out to dinner because it’s a treat for me, too!
You can shop Riley’s ornaments, prints, ribbon, wallpaper, and fabric at RileySheehey.com.
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