Colorful Artist Mom on the Street: Megan Trottier
At the beginning of the pandemic, amazing boy mom, talented businesswoman, and Colorful Artist Mom on the Street Megan Trottier found a newfound passion for painting. Between hectic work-life and family life, she has grown to love the peace and creativity painting brings.
Meet Megan
I was born and raised in West Texas – went to college there too (Wreck em’ Tech), and now live in Dallas, TX. I am married to a Canadian, and we have 3 beautiful-wonderful-amazing boys. They range from 15 to 3.5 years old. They have so much energy if only I could operate at the level they do…..I would, without a doubt, rule the world.
When COVID started, I needed an outlet when the boys went to bed. Something that could relax me. At a certain point, how much can one binge shows, eat, and have wine? (do not worry, I did a lot of all three)! At this time, I also got really into revamping our house. I started browsing Instagram and realized I needed (ha, that being the keyword, ok, ok, wanted) new art. Being creative is something I have always enjoyed, so I thought, “I can do this.” My first couple of paintings still hang over the fireplace and in the formal dining. I did a couple of commission art pieces for friends, and I decided this painting “thing” was something more.
It turned into something that I looked forward to and craved every day. I stay busy working, momming, wifing, but I always find time to paint. With ALL the craziness going on in the world, I needed something to make me happy and take my mind off it. Insert the heart paintings. I started painting them and had a blast. I loved seeing all the fun, bright colors pop on the canvas. And let’s get serious; we all need WAY more love right now.I hope my art can bring some joy and love to your heart and home.
Colorful Artist Life
Have you always enjoyed art? I have always loved color and patterns. At a young age, I become interested in fashion. I designed some of my own clothes in college, and my aunt, who is a seamstress, sewed them for me. I have always been interested in art in some form or fashion, but most recently, art for walls.
What motivated you to start painting? It all started during 2020 and COVID. After being stuck at home doing the same thing over and over, I needed a change. My husband started a new job in June and was super busy working all the time from home. Once the kids went to bed, I needed something to occupy my time. I also decided I wanted to revamp the house (which I feel like so many other people did too). I crawled up into our attic where I had some canvases I had in my 20’s that I covered in fabric, took the fabric off, bought some cheap craft store paints, and did my first painting. It is now framed and hanging over our fireplace.
Colorful Artist Inspiration
What is the inspiration behind your work? Color. I have always been acutely aware of colors and the way they go together. Painting has just increased that awareness.
What sort of materials do you use for your paintings? Acrylic paints-thick, thin…. all the kinds. pouring mediums, glosses including heavy to add texture, resin, glitter
How do you want to grow as an artist in the future? I do not have a straightforward answer to this. I want to grow and have a brand, but I also want it to be organic and not forced. If you would have told me 1 year ago that I would be painting full-time, I would never have believed you in one million years. I do not want to but perimeters on where I see myself,
Do your kids, husband, and friends support you as an artist? 1000%! I cannot express how much support I receive. My husband is an entrepreneur, so he thinks this is the coolest thing ever. Because of his support and business knowledge, I have been able to turn it into a business. I am always bouncing ideas off of friends, sending pictures, getting them to help with projects. It has been really cool to see who has become my biggest fans. And the kids, they love it and love doing art with mom.
Growing as an Artist
What has been your toughest moment and proudest moment being an artist so far? Though- I work a full-time sales job- so I paint in the mornings and the evenings- mainly when the kids are in bed. It is hard and exhausting, but I know will pay off eventually, and I’ll be able to turn the art into full-time. Also, being vulnerable with my creations and posting them for the world to see.
My proudest moment as an artist is when we were at the house of a friend who had bought a painting from me. Unsolicited, my five-year-old looked up and said, “look, Mom, that is your painting?” It gave me all the feels. Even my children- who are young, notice my pieces.
What are your tips for artists, especially other artist Moms? Art can serve so many different purposes for a mom. It can be an outlet that is your escape and all hers- if that is what you want it to be. We moms give so much of ourselves and need something that is just ours sometimes. On the other hand, it can also be something fun that you can share with your kids. Not all the time, but sometimes my boys come out in the garage and “create” their own masterpieces while I paint.
Do you see a similar enjoyment of creativity in your children? Yes, and I love it, especially in my five-year-old. He is always drawing, coloring and loves to paint. It makes my mom heart so happy to see.
Where can one see your work or purchase your work? You can follow my Instagram account @meganjanehome and or check out my website meganjanehome.com.
Colorful Artist Family Life
What’s your favorite way to spend time with your family? Being outside with them. We live in Texas, so the weather is nice most of the year. We have recently built a pool, so being in the backyard with the kids swimming and us all hanging out is my happy place.
What’s been your best family vacation? My husband is from Central Canada. Every year (before COVID), we visit his family and go to the Canadian Rockies for a week. It is utterly beautiful, and I love being able for us and our kids to spend time with that family that we rarely get to see.
Best parenting advice: You do you– more in the sense of your family does your family. Do not compare yourself to anyone or any other family. Everybody has stages- good stages, yucky stages, happy stages, etc. You can’t compare your family to another because you will never in the same stage.
What’s your go-to family dinner? I try to cook 3-4 times a week, but I am about healthy and easy. We grill a lot, and I roast veggies in the oven. Or tacos (taco salad for me) is also a weekly rotation.
What’s your favorite family restaurant? Ha, a family restaurant? Since COVID, I do not think we have eaten out as a family. My husband will go out for an early date night, and we always grab sushi.
Colorful Artist Mom Style
Which three words best describe your style? Classic, funky, colorful
What are your favorite places to shop? Nordstrom’s- especially for shoes. I love Tuckernuck online
What’s your best style advice? Being comfortable (both physically and mentally) with what you are wearing is most important.
What article of clothing/accessory would you not want to live without? Big earrings. I love that pop of fun in an outfit.
What fashion/style did you love at the time but now cringe when you see old photos? Big huge belts high-waisted. Although I do not think they are far from coming back.
Stilettos or flats? Flats, ALWAYS. I look like a Bambi learning to walk in heels. I love a cute sandal and or a funky tennis shoe mixed with something dressy.
What’s your favorite show to binge-watch? I do not re-watch shows. Once I have watched it, I am done. I have binged too many shows to count during the past year. Some of my favorites include Ted Lasso, Marvelous Mrs. Masel, The Undoing.
What has been your toughest moment/proudest moment as a mom? Toughest- it is all thought, especially when they are little. The younger boys are 20 months apart. That was one of the hardest things I have ever done. I would never change; they are the best of friends now, but boy, it was HARD! Mommying is no joke!
What’s at the top of your travel bucket list? Greece looks absolutely beautiful!
Mom and Artist Life
We love Megan’s colorful, courageous take on life and her art. Between Mom-life, work-life, and artist life, she has learned to stay inspired and have fun with her art. We can all learn a little bit from her to embrace our creativity and a new passion in life.
Be sure to see more of her paintings on her website and Instagram! For more interesting and stylish moms, be sure to check out FamilyApp’s Mom on the Street!
