I found myself coming back to art, so I decided to stay.
Welcome! Violette Tide Studios is the art portfolio of Leah Bares of Kennebunk, Maine. I work primarily in watercolor, a medium that I love because it requires a delicate balance of control and spontaneity, often producing unexpected colors and forms that are both precise and imperfect.
My bloodline consists of fishermen and artists, which is why it is only natural that I would find myself painting watercolors of the sea. I grew up south of Boston, Massachusetts, and currently live near the beach in southern Maine with my husband and toddlers. I enjoy spending time exploring outdoors, I especially enjoy beach combing, fishing, clamming, growing succulents and gardening - all of which inspires my artwork.
The road back to painting was winding, to say the least. I attended law school, graduated, and promptly failed the bar exam in spring 2015. It was at this point that I took some time to “figure it all out,” so to speak. During that summer and fall I devoted myself to painting. I also learned that I pregnant; my husband and I were thrilled! By spring 2016, we welcomed a new baby girl and my business was in bloom.
That first year of being home with my Laurel Pearl and creating art was the happiest I had been in my adult years. Life all came together and felt just so right. I started selling my work on Etsy and attending local shows in Boston and Cape Cod. Soon, I had collectors and my nautical art was in high demand. The business that I had named one day while walking down the beach (“hmmm… I need a noun and a color,” I thought). Violette Tide Studios had truly taken off.
But, the next year was a devastating blow. In spring 2017, our one year old Laurel Pearl was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma (pediatric cancer). Everything stopped. I retreated from both my painting and business and devoted each moment to Laurel’s care. Laurel spent the next 14 months in and out of Boston Children’s Hospital while receiving treatment. She and I painted acrylics and watercolors together during her stays at the hospital and at home. The girl could hold a paintbrush so naturally at just 2 years old. She was so advanced, kind, and talented.
Laurel won her battle with cancer on June 15, 2018.
The loss of my Pearl is immeasurable. I could write on and on about her, but, suffice it to say, art has saved me through this journey. I have since picked up the pieces, continued on with Violette Tide Studios, and have been blessed with two more babies (a boy and a little girl).
To write a biography and leave Laurel out would be an injustice to you, and to me. My lifestyle and vision are forever altered, but for the better. As I continue to paint, I have devoted my energy to both pediatric cancer awareness and ocean conservation. Two matters that will always be of importance to me. Saving children and our oceans.
So, to you out there reading this, thank you.
Your support of my art and encouragement has kept me going through it all.
Truly.
My very best,
Leah Bares