Case Study: Laura Lanoil

On learning to trust the process and let go

Laura Lanoil lives in California, where she paints in a cosy space tucked inside her home. A lifelong creative, she began painting at the age of 12, then spent many years as an actor and theatre teacher. While art remained a steady thread, it was only more recently that she decided to explore painting with greater focus. When she joined Directions in Abstraction, she was ready for more—more learning, more intention, and the courage to find her own voice. In this Q&A, Laura shares her journey through the course—from hesitant beginnings to a deeper creative confidence.

Introduction & Background

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your art practice before taking Directions in Abstraction?

I started oil painting when I was 12. I’d go to this class with some friends—we’d paint barns or houses, and when I came back the next week, the teacher would have added a cow! So there was joy, but not a whole lot of real learning. Then I stopped. Life took over. I became an actor and a teacher.

But that need—the yearning—to express creatively never went away. And when you’re a creative person and you’re not creating, it just doesn’t make for a happy life. I painted here and there, mostly for myself, but I got to a point where I really wanted more.

What drew you to abstraction, and what challenges were you facing at the time?

I don’t love drawing, and I really don’t like being told what to do! But I do like knowing the rules. So abstraction felt like the best of both worlds. There’s freedom, but also structure. I could colour outside the lines—or on a totally different page! It felt like there was this great freedom, with very little judgement… except from myself.

Had you taken any formal or informal art training before joining the course?

No formal training, really. I did lots of creative things with my kids—we had a gallery wall at home! But this was the first structured art course I really committed to.

Laura’s work before Directions in Abstraction

Motivation and Decision to Join

What made you decide to join Directions in Abstraction?

I’d taken Lynn’s mindset course first, and I loved the way she blended art with psychology. That really resonated—I studied psychology in college, and I could see that this course would connect creative process and mindset. I didn’t want to just keep “messing around.” I wanted to learn something real.

Were there any hesitations or doubts before signing up? If so, what convinced you to go ahead?

Oh, all the doubts! But I realised if I didn’t do something different, I’d stay stuck. So I jumped.

What were you hoping to gain from the course?

Real information. Tangible tools I could understand and use. Sitting in my little room, painting for fun, was lovely—but I was ready for more. I wanted a community. And I wanted to learn.

Experience During the Course

How did the structure of the course support your learning and development?

It was so helpful. I tend to be a binge-learner—and yet I’ll be walking past my little painting room with a with a basket of laundry, and I’ll end up just walking in there and spending three hours and the laundry will never get done. And then I might not do it for a week, and then I might wake up in the middle of the night.  The structure helped me focus. I knew what was coming, and I could prepare mentally and creatively.

What aspects of the course were most valuable for you?

The exercises, definitely. And the way they built on each other—starting with something simple and adding layers. That really worked for me. The feedback was also incredibly helpful, both from Lin and others. It always felt kind, never intimidating

Can you describe a key moment or breakthrough you had during the course?

Letting go. Finally letting go. Knowing I could paint something I didn’t like and just paint over it. That was huge. I realised I could close my eyes, use both hands—even the non-dominant one—and whatever showed up was something I could work with. That shifted everything.

Were there any surprising or unexpected insights you gained about your work or process?

I’ve always painted intuitively, and that’s great. But I started to learn about things my intuition ignored—like value and composition and focal points! I began to build vocabulary and understanding. I’m learning to critique rather than criticise. That’s been big.

How did you balance the course with your other commitments?

At the time, I was working two days a week, so it fit beautifully. It became something I genuinely looked forward to each week.

Impact and Results

How has your work evolved since completing Directions in Abstraction?

It’s more layered. There’s more depth and more of me in it. And it’s more fun—fun to make, and I think fun to look at.

What changes have you noticed in your mindset or approach to making art?

Confidence. I actually say, “I’m an artist” now, which I never did before. I’ve learned to turn fear into excitement. I ask “what if?”—what if I use black, what if I make a huge line? I’m not afraid of those questions anymore. It’s mine—I’m the boss of me!

Have you started sharing or selling your work?

I’ve shared more with friends and family. They actually want big pieces now! I’ve held off from selling—people kept saying I should, and it just added pressure. I told them to stop saying it. For now, I’m making what I love.

Have you continued to develop your practice in any particular direction?

I’m playing more—trying new colours, being freer. I’m also rethinking what it means to have a “cohesive” body of work. I used to think everything had to match. Now, I’m realising maybe that’s not true. Maybe there’s cohesion in my voice, even when the pieces look different.

Advice for Future Participants

What advice would you give to someone considering Directions in Abstraction?

Jump in. Do it. It’s welcoming, non-judgemental, and everyone is enough, right where they are. You’ll learn so much—and not just about art, but about yourself.

How would you describe the experience of the course in three words?

Exciting. Empowering. Eye-opening. (I almost said “terrifying” in a good way—but empowering is probably better!)

What’s next for you in your artistic journey?

I’m exploring, still experimenting. Maybe someday I’ll sell or show in a bigger way. Or maybe not. For now, I just want to keep growing and making art that feels true to me.

Laura’s Work from Directions in Abstraction

Laura’s Recent Work

You can see more of Laura’s work on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/iamlauralanoil

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