Interview

Oct 24

Paulette Pearson

Paulette Pearson is a colored pencil artist based in Dallas, Texas. In her studio, she’s often found drawing with her rescue dog, Zooey, nearby and a classic Grace Kelly film playing in the background. Encouraged from a young age by her grandmother—who always kept her supplied with colored pencils—Paulette’s love of art began long before her career did. She went on to earn a law degree and a master’s in journalism, later spending more than a decade as a magazine editor before returning to her first creative calling. With an editor’s eye for detail and a storyteller’s sensibility, she creates work that pairs classic elegance with a touch of mischief—celebrating beauty without taking it too seriously.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“My mom is a colored-pencil artist and was an early influence. She’d leave a piece of art in progress on her drafting table, and as a little girl I’d stand on my tip toes just high enough to see and study it—the shading, shapes, hues. That pointed me toward a love of drawing and using colored pencils. However, while I’ve always loved to draw, I didn’t pursue an art career right away. I went on to earn a B.A. in English and graduate from law school, before also completing a master’s degree in journalism. I worked as an editor for luxury home design magazines for more than a decade before finally deciding to quit and become a full-time artist a couple of years ago.”

What inspires you?

“I love France. For the past two years, I’ve spent the entire month of September in the French Riviera, in the picturesque seaside town Villefranche-Sur-Mer. I’m inspired by the sparkling sea, the vast blue sky, the beautiful light, the lush gardens and the colorful buildings. I love the slow way of life that allows you to stop and really soak in the beauty around you. It’s no surprise that artists like Matisse, Picasso and Monet loved this region, and their presence is still very much felt there. My goal is to own a home on the Côte d'Azur one day so I can visit more frequently.”

What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?

“My art plays with elegance—it admires it, teases it and sometimes turns it upside down. I’m drawn to quiet, in-between moments: a woman thinking, searching, daydreaming or holding herself together with style and a sense of humor. Even my florals have a wink to them—soft, but not fragile. I make work that reminds us that beauty doesn’t have to behave, that grace can have an edge and that a little mischief can live inside refinement.”

How would you describe your work?

“My work is often described as whimsical, and I think that fits. While I create pieces meant to be collected as fine art, I’ve never been drawn to anything that feels too formal or self-serious. I like art with personality—pieces that smile back a little. Even when I’m working with something more traditional, like florals, I use color to keep it playful and light. I call it elegance with a wink—refined, but never stiff.”

Which artists influence you most?

“Photographer Jamie Beck has been a major influence on me. Originally from Texas, she built a career in New York before moving to Provence for what was meant to be a year—and never left. I love how boldly she follows her creative instincts and designs a life around beauty and intention. I’m part of her Starling Club, which has been such an inspiring community. When it comes to colored pencil artists, I’m endlessly inspired by Bella McGoldrick and CJ Hendry—their ability to create hyper-realistic drawings with such precision and depth truly amazes me.”

“My art plays with elegance—it admires it, teases it and sometimes turns it upside down.”

What is your creative process like?

“I always begin by searching for inspiration. Once I’ve settled on a subject, I lightly sketch the full image in graphite, just dark enough to serve as a roadmap for color. Then comes my favorite part: bringing it to life with colored pencil. I build the piece slowly, layering pigment to create depth, texture and form. It’s a patient process that can take days or even weeks, as I focus on one section at a time until everything feels balanced. When the drawing is complete, I scan it at high resolution and refine the digital file in Photoshop to prepare it for prints and stationery. Every piece available on my website is printed on demand in my studio, ensuring each one maintains the same care and attention as the original.”

What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?

“I think artists preserve beauty and create space for reflection in a world that often moves too fast to notice it. My work balances elegance with a bit of irreverence, and nostalgia with a touch of wit. Through that mix, I try to remind people that art can be both a mirror and an escape—a way to feel joy and rediscover a sense of wonder. More and more, I see the artist’s role as extending beyond just creating work. I think artists offer a kind of refuge—a small pause in a world that can feel serious and heavy. If my art gives someone even a brief sense of happiness or calm, then I feel like it’s done what it was meant to do.”