Meet West Virginia illustrator and writer, Rosalie Haizlett!

A woman with medium-length hair sits at a desk with a painting in front of her — *Photographer: Leah Stankus*

Tell us a little about yourself!

I’m Rosalie, an illustrator, writer, and educator living right on the edge of Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. Through my art, I share my appreciation for the natural world by creating vibrant watercolor art prints, illustrated maps, nature books and online classes to help others connect to their own surroundings using their creativity. I've written 2 books and have a bunch of online classes on nature painting and drawing. Spending time in a variety of locations through artist residencies has greatly inspired my work; I've been the Artist-in-Residence at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with the National Audubon Society on an island in Maine, and with Desert National Wildlife Refuge in the Mojave Desert of Nevada.

A woman in a blue coat looks through a professional camera — *Photographer: Rosalie Haizlett*

What drew you to your craft?

While my interest in art has been lifelong, my focus on illustrating the natural world began in my late high school and college years as chronic migraines prompted me to spend more time outside on slow, healing walks. I began to learn more about my environment and was overwhelmed by the beauty that I found. My current work is a result of my deepening curiosity in our natural world. Through my art and teaching, I've also found a tool to help others awaken to their own surroundings, encouraging environmental stewardship and greater mindfulness.

Describe your studio space. Where do you like to create?

For the first time in my career, I have a well-lit, dedicated studio in the extra bedroom in our home. I love this space! The big picture window overlooks the town of Elkins, WV and the Allegheny Mountains rise up in the distance. I have a bunch of plants gathered all around my desk to keep me inspired even in winter. My grandfather's (maybe even great-grandfather's?) sturdy old walnut desk is my primary workspace, and I love the weathered look of it; scratches and ink smudges from decades ago give me permission to use it well. I don't like my space to be too cluttered, but a few vintage trinkets and items I've collected from travels sit on shelves and windowsills. After working on the road and making do with kitchen tables or desks in a corner of the living room since I started my career, this studio feels like a true luxury and I'm so grateful.

A women with long hair works on a painting at a desk — *Photographer: Leah Stankus*

What is your favorite thing you have ever made?

My forthcoming book, Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains: An Artist's Journey (coming in September 2024!). This book is my most ambitious, personal project yet: an illustrated adventure through the entire Appalachian Mountain Range (Alabama to Newfoundland) as I hiked slowly and painted the small plants, animals, and fungi that I found over the course of 6 months in 2022. I also included personal essays in the book that were sparked by observations on my hikes, and they make this book feel almost like an illustrated journal.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I've been making art for as long as I can remember, and I always wanted to operate my own art business. I didn't have full confidence that I could do it professionally, though, and bought into the negative stereotypes of artists that I heard repeated over and over again: that they're overly emotional, financially unstable, and impractical. I decided to go to college for graphic design since that seemed like a more stable career path, but I took as many studio art classes as I could. While working my first graphic design jobs, I began to build up an illustration portfolio of nature-inspired watercolor paintings in the evenings, even though I was exhausted from the workday.

Eventually, I figured out how to make greeting cards and art prints and began an online shop. I also connected with a few brick & mortar retailers in West Virginia and began working with them on consignment. I took a leap of faith in summer 2018 and applied for a month-long artist residency at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which I see as the turning point in my career. I had to quit my job to do the residency, and after that I decided to test the waters and try to be self-employed. I lived extremely frugally while I built my business. That first summer and fall, I stayed in my grandma's attic in exchange for helping to cook and take care of her. Here we are 6 years later!

A painting of a mushroom next to a book with instructions on how to paint a mushroom

A woman holds up a book that reads "Watercolor in Nature" — *Photographer: Clara Haizlett*

How would you describe your creative process?

My process always begins with an observation outdoors that piques my curiosity or fills me with awe. I take photos or make quick sketches, then return to my studio to flesh out the idea. I look up information about the plant or animal and then begin thinking of ways to combine my first-hand experience with what I've learned in my research. Once I have sketches done, I use waterproof ink and watercolors to bring the painting to life.

What advice would you give yourself 10 years ago?

Breathe... and know that you have what it takes to make this career happen. The path ahead will be wild and unexpected, but just focus on the next right step. If you continually stretch yourself to move just slightly beyond your comfort zone, you will rise to the occasion and exciting things will come about.

Woman holds painting of fiddle surrounded by leaves and vines — *Photographer: Clara Haizlett*

Why do you love doing what you do?

I love waking up each day and having control over how I spend my time. I work really hard, but I can listen to my body to take breaks when I need to or only book projects when I have the energy for them. I also love the way that putting my art, books, and classes out there helps me meet other people who have similar interests and values. Every time I do an in-person event, I feel like I'm meeting a bunch of friends. I love being part of the artisan and nature-enthusiast communities. And I love that having my art for sale in small shops throughout Appalachia gives me a reason to get to know the shop-owners and makes road trips extra fun!

Why is it important to support local artists and makers?

Making art can be a beautiful, stable, and fulfilling career, but it's not possible without the folks who purchase and share our work. If we want to fill our homes and lives with hand-crafted, meaningful items, we all have to prioritize shopping small and intentionally buying from local artists. Even if it's not in your budget to buy local art, sharing our work via social media or word-of-mouth works wonders!

You can find a variety of Rosalie’s prints, stickers, and notecards in the shop, as well as signed copies of her book!