Like Mother, Like Daughter: Meet Lauren Alaina's Portrait Artist

May we all find our own “therapy” for life … that’s as beautiful as that of Laurie and Julia Maddalina.

Laurie and Julia in Chattanooga, TN at Lauren Alaina’s American Idol Hometown Parade.

(CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.) - We’ve been talking a little bit lately about appreciating the moments in life when you “bump into” new friends or “the story” of new friends.

This Saturday was one such occasion because my story “bumped into” the story of Laurie and Julia Maddalina. Laurie and Julia live in Rochester, New York. Julia is a high school student and a very talented artist.

Julia is a “rock star” in the art world and because of her talent she is already being sought out by collegiate level art schools. (This talented mother and daughter duo were visiting Chattanooga, TN for the unveiling of a portrait of American Idol’s Lauren Alaina which Julia painted for Lauren.)

Viewing Julia’s work, it’s just so hard to believe she is only 15 years old. It makes you wonder … how is this possible? So, I asked the person that may know best … Julia’s mother Laurie. And Julia’s mother then tells me the story.

Laurie shares that she and her husband are both artists. She recalls that they began offering Julia the materials to create her own art from a young, young age and that they could see, even early on, that Julia possessed a great natural talent.

They never pushed Julia to adopt their own love of art, but they certainly nurtured her and placed her in an environment that would allow her to grow and develop.

The results: a sweet, talented 15-year-old that draws because she loves it and improves because she’s been given the opportunity.

All Julia’s growth however did not come without some costs. In order to get Julia to art class, and also meet the needs of the other two children in the family, Laurie and her husband made the decision to have Laurie “work at home” so that the needs of the kids could be met.

Laurie does not regret this decision, but at the same time she plainly states “this decision required financial and personal sacrifice.” Laurie is also quick to point out that there are some wonderful perks to her job.

One perk being that she and Julia now take art classes together! So now, Laurie and Julia not only share the same love of art, but also the joy of the same art instructor! And … Laurie also shares that she is now working on a body of work that she will soon open up to some wonderful art galleries in New York.

I am excited about Laurie’s body of work for a few reasons. One, it is just so wonderful to see someone prosper doing what they love. But on a deeper level, I can’t wait to see the body of work itself because while Laurie paints because she loves it, she also shares that painting is “her therapy” for the demands and joys of life.

Laurie’s very real perspective on life is touching, so it thrills me to think about how all that emotion will play out in her art.

I cannot wait to see what “art therapy” looks like and what life feels like from Laurie’s eyes … a mom that has given her daughter and family the very best she has.

May we all find our own “therapy” for life … that’s as beautiful as that of Laurie and Julia Maddalina.

Ps. Julia’s “most famous” piece of art is most likely the portrait she painted of American Idol’s Lauren Alaina … but you may view the full body of Julia’s work at www.JuliaNMe.Webs.com.

Join the conversation & find extra info about today’s Good Stuff article on the BLOG at www.COCOMCCAIN.com.  Share “your story” with me & help me “shine a light” on the good things you see every day at COCO@COCOMCCAIN.com. I hope to hear from you soon — but between now and then may you LIVE…GIVE…and…GROW with all the good in life! 

CoCo's past reports on American Idol:
So ... Why All the Fuss Over American Idol? 'The Good Stuff' with Coco McCain Salem-News.com
'It's Lauren Alaina Night': 16 Sweet Reasons to Vote for American Idol's Lauren Alaina - 'The Good Stuff' with Coco McCain Salem-News.com