Colorful horse painting with wildflowers, example artwork from the Creative You kit by Small Town Artist

Welcome to Small Town Artist: My Creative Journey

Hello and welcome to Small Town Artist! I’m Lisa Olson, a Minnesota-based artist who has been painting with watercolors and acrylics for over two decades. Living in rural East Central Minnesota, I’ve always been inspired by the beauty of small-town life—flowers blooming in the garden, landscapes that shift with the seasons, and the everyday details that make life colorful and meaningful.

Hand-painted greeting card featuring yellow and white flowers with small red blooms, by Small Town Artist
Hand-painted greeting card from the Small Town Artist collection, featuring yellow and white flowers

This site is more than just an online shop—it’s my creative home. Here, you’ll find:

Why I Started Small Town Artist

Art has always been my way of connecting—with people, with nature, and with myself. Over time, I realized that sharing art isn’t just about selling paintings—it’s about inspiring creativity in others. That’s why I created both The Artistic Envelope, my monthly greeting card subscription, and my line of painting kits that help anyone experience the joy of creating, no matter their skill level.

Hand-painted watercolor of an autumn pumpkin with sunflower and green leaves by Small Town Artist
Seasonal watercolor pumpkin painting from Small Town Artist

What You Can Expect From This Blog

This blog will be a place where I share more than just finished pieces. You’ll get a look behind the scenes at my studio, tips for adding creativity into your day, and stories from workshops and events. I’ll also spotlight the inspiration behind new collections, whether it’s a watercolor landscape, whimsical florals, or a playful art kit design.

Acrylic frog painting on a lily pad with a pink water lily, part of the Creative You kit by Small Town Artist
Frog painting created as a sample for the Creative You art kit

Join Me on the Journey

My hope is that Small Town Artist becomes a place where you feel inspired to slow down, create, and connect—whether through a hand-painted card sent to a loved one, or through picking up a paintbrush yourself.


Thank you for being here at the start of this new chapter. I can’t wait to share more with you!

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