Hi! I’m Paige Smith Spearin. I’m an artist and surface designer. I specialize in creating fine art, illustrations, textile designs and invitations. I work in many mediums from watercolor and gouache to acrylic and oil. My artwork is often inspired by things I enjoy like parties, interior design, flowers, riding my bike, skiing and tennis. I have also been designing prints for Lilly Pulitzer since 2008. I live on the North Shore of Chicago with my husband and two little boys.

Paige wears the Torero Gown in blue/ivory palm toile

I’m always observing décor, clothing, and architecture and picturing how things could work in a painting. I enjoy creating my own little world in my paintings. My scenes are usually inspired by activities I love and a mix of real places and my imagination. 

Designing prints for Lilly Pulitzer is so special because the prints can be anything from flowers and shells to monkeys scuba diving. The biggest difference in creating art to be worn is you must consider the repeat pattern and how it falls on the body. I currently design prints for Lilly two days weekly but I used to design prints full time. Lilly was my first job out of college and I’m so grateful my career with them has been able to evolve with my life.

I used to live in New York and my paintings have been inspired by walks in Central Park, dates at Bemelman’s Bar, JG Melon and La Grenouille. One of our favorite spots in Winnetka is a French restaurant called Pomeroy, which I have painted. I also love to ski, so I paint a lot of skiiers. When I had my children I started painting more animals and thinking about artwork for children too.

Follow along on Instagram @paigespearinstudio

I have done almost all my best friend’s “Save the Date” cards for their weddings! I have also painted a lot of handmade birthday cards and place cards for dinners.

My (almost) 3 year old son and I like to paint and draw together. We have a little table and chairs in our kitchen where we sit and use his (washable) art supplies. The Do-A-Dot paint sticks are really fun! We also do a lot of sidewalk chalk in our driveway.

I really love the colors, feminine shapes and unique prints!