Alaina Riedel
Alaina Riedel grew up drawn to art classes, motivated less by technical mastery than by imagination, competitiveness, and a strong desire to create. Creativity was a constant presence in her family, particularly on her father’s side, where it took the form of hands-on making and craft. That influence shaped how she approached school more broadly, gravitating toward projects that rewarded original thinking and personal expression.
As she got older, Riedel was uncertain about a specific career path, but she knew she wanted the freedom that creative work offered. Art became that space of possibility. She chose to major in painting in order to strengthen both her drawing and painting skills, embracing the challenge of growth rather than specializing narrowly. Her approach has remained driven and exploratory, guided by curiosity and persistence rather than ease.
Much of her early work was commission-based, which helped her develop discipline and consistency. More recently, her practice has shifted in a more personal direction, inspired by her dog and the small, everyday rhythms of life near the beach. Painting him opened a new avenue in her work, allowing her to combine technical skill with intimacy and affection. Her paintings aim to feel whimsical and bright, often built around cohesive color palettes that create a sense of warmth and harmony.
Alongside this personal work, Riedel continues to produce pet portraits and has become a trusted artist within her community. Rather than treating the genre as limiting, she has reshaped it into a practice that keeps her creatively engaged while maintaining strong connections with clients. This balance between accessibility and personal voice has allowed her to remain both productive and fulfilled.
Riedel supports her art practice through part-time restaurant work, which keeps her closely connected to the community she serves. Her mornings are dedicated to painting, crafting, and generating new ideas in the studio, while her evenings are spent in a fast-paced service environment that often leads to meaningful relationships and unexpected opportunities.
She measures success not by conventional milestones, but by continuity. The ability to create daily, to work with her hands, and to make art that brings joy to others defines her sense of accomplishment. Each finished piece is a small victory, reinforcing her commitment to a life shaped by creativity and connection.
