Meet the artist.

Ashley Laren is an artist and freelance art teacher based in Springfield, Missouri. Her artistic journey is a vibrant exploration of different mediums and styles, driven by a deep passion for capturing the beauty of the world around us both realistically and in abstraction.

Born and raised in Leawood, Kansas, Ashley received her Bachelor's degree in Art History with minors in Museum Studies and Studio Art from Missouri State University in 2019. This academic background provides a strong foundation for her creative practice, combining a deep understanding of art history with hands-on experience in various artistic techniques.

Ashley’s artwork has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, she focused on acrylic paintings that incorporated mixed media elements like newspapers, puzzle pieces, and glitter. This phase of her work was characterized by its playful and experimental nature. Today, she explores a variety of subject matter in both more realistic artworks and abstract. In her landscape and nature-based paintings, her focus is on creating bold, abstract, and colorful visions inspired by some of her travels across America. From national parks to mountain ranges, forests to deserts, Ashley captures the essence of these breathtaking locations through her lens and translates them into vibrant paintings. In her abstract artworks, she chooses to allow the paint to guide her through the creative experience. These pieces are often inspired by a combination of emotions and specific spaces.

In addition to creating art, Ashley is passionate about sharing her knowledge and skills with others. She offers a range of services, including private art lessons tailored to individual needs and group workshops. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in fostering creativity and self-expression, providing personalized guidance to help each student reach their full potential.

Ashley also enjoys working on custom art commissions, where she collaborates closely with clients to create unique pieces that resonate with their vision and preferences. Whether it's a personalized portrait, a bespoke landscape, or an abstract piece designed to complement a specific space, Ashley takes great joy in bringing these artistic visions to life.

She has a strong connection to her local arts community, in Springfield, and advocates for her fellow artists whenever opportunities arise. Her involvement in the local art community includes serving as the Visual Arts Chair for the Queen City Shout Festival in 2024 and participating in various group exhibitions, live art performances, and charity art auctions. These experiences have enriched her practice and allowed her to connect with a broader audience.

Ashley invites you to explore her portfolio and see the world through her eyes. Whether you're interested in acquiring a unique piece of art, commissioning a custom work, or embarking on a creative learning journey, she is here to help you discover the beauty and joy of art.