The landscapes of international artist Nadia Lassman are imbued with luminosity and warm, radiating contentment. Influenced by the Impressionists, Lassman wants her work to reflect the happiness she feels, the beauty of nature, and her joy in traveling. She is particularly fond of scenes with water, keeping her viewers fascinated by the contrasting tones found there: the warm greens and yellows paired against the cooler shades of purple and blue. By capturing seaside buildings with complex architectural details – such as rows of balconies and baroque facades – she is able to also explore the complexity of man-made structures along with the interplay of light and reflections on the water.

While Lassman paints mostly with acrylics, she adds depth and interest to her pieces with tactile, textured effects, which she achieves through the application of layers of pigments along with gessos, sand, tissue and gels.

Lassman is a full-time artist living in Toronto. She wants her work to give people a sense of peace and well-being. Her work is shown in Toronto, New York, Miami and Scottsdale.

Here, we spent some time with Nadia to find out more…

When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
I launched my website in 2013 after receiving such positive reviews privately from friends and family, and began to share my work publicly in shows and galleries thereafter. Since then, my career has grown exponentially and I haven’t looked back.

Whats your background?
I am Canadian. My family emigrated from England when I was a young child.

How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?
I work alone as I am the sole artist.

If you could start over with the business, would you do anything differently?
I wouldn’t change a thing about how my business has grown. Every time I have done an exhibition or appeared in a gallery, another opportunity has arisen from there and as a result I have successful art career. Clients appreciate my peaceful, happy scenes which is important for me as I want to paint things that also make me feel happy and content.

What is the hardest challenge you have faced since you started the company?
The hardest challenge has been finding time to paint as my paintings sell so quickly that it sometimes is a challenge to find time to replace them in anticipation of another exhibition. Much of my work comes from bespoke commissions and it becomes a challenge to find time to paint for exhibitions.

Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?
One fact people don’t know is I have a Masters Degree in Environmental Studies as well as a law degree.

2017 is here, where do you plan on taking the brand?
In 2017, I would like to focus my energy on continuing to become known around the world particularly for my European scenes, but also to focus my energy in Canada. We have some beautiful scenery in Ontario and since much of work involves lily pads and nature, it makes sense for them to be shown in areas which possess natural beauty.

To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
My career highlight has been this year when I appeared in British Vogue magazine. I think it one of the preeminent magazines for design and fashion and how wonderful it was to be included in such a respected magazine. Another highlight was when I exhibited in Miami during Art Basel week and my works appeared alongside Picasso’s. Doesn’t get better than that!

Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
I feel most at home in London. I was born in London and going there feels like going home. I love the sounds, fabulous art galleries, theatre, friendly people, the architecture, the shopping, and of course the history.

Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?
Three beauty products: sunscreen, moisturizer and my MAC finishing powder.

Style means….?
Style: So much of my clothing is super casual as I spend my days painting and don’t want to worry about wrecking any clothes. However when I go out for the evening, my favourite outfit is a pair of skinny jeans, sexy blouse and ballet flats or cute ankle boots. I always opt for comfort over style.

Best thing about London to you?
Best thing about London is the National Gallery. I love the Impressionists Gallery and could sit for hours there. There is always something new to learn and appreciate.

Statement shoe or statement bag?
I prefer a statement bag over a statement shoe. My shoes have to be very comfortable whereas a bag is pretty much always comfortable and stylish. Hard to find a stylish, sexy shoe that is also comfortable.

If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear everyday?
If I had to wear the same piece of clothing from my wardrobe, it would be lightweight sweatpants. I love being

cozy. When I paint, I must be comfortable and relaxed. Sometimes I paint straight from 9 am to 10 pm at night and I must be comfortable in order to do that. I get on a roll and it is hard to stop because one colour laid down leads to another and my artistic vision needs to be completed.

Favourite love song?
My favourite love song is True Companion by Marc Cohn. It talks about love lasting a lifetime.

Best place for a coffee?
I love coffee and the best places are cute little gourmet shops with delicious café au laits which are my fav. I love it when coffee is so thick you can stand a stir stick in it.

Most memorable piece of advice given to you?
My most memorable piece of advice I’ve received was that it is important to know that things never go according to plan and often things go wrong but not to worry because they always work out in the end.

Guilty pleasure?
My guilty pleasure is watching the Bachelor in Paradise on tv. It’s a bit like watching a trainwreck…you know you shouldn’t watch but you just can’t avert your eyes.

If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?
If I could spend 24 hours anywhere in the world, it would have to be Venice. I am absolutely in love with that city particularly since my favourite scenes to paint are water scenes. Mix that up with some gorgeous architecture and you have a match made in heaven

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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