Thank you for joining our first feature on this page, “In The Art Zone at Books by Rose.”
This wonderful guest today wears many hats. She’s an author, a full-time teacher, and an amazing artist.
Welcome Rebecca Lyndsey!
Rosie: Rebecca, I’ve seen your paintings you’ve shared and they just popped right off the page with your vibrant colors.
How did you get started with art and painting?
Rebecca: I’ve been drawing since I was a kid—it’s always been a part of me. In high school, I took three years of Commercial Arts classes and even earned a certificate, planning to keep going with art in college. But when I enrolled, the Art program had been cut. I was seriously bummed. I could’ve switched schools, but I didn’t want to put my education on hold, so I went with Elementary Education instead.
Luckily, I landed a job as an art teacher and got to do that for ten years—until those positions were cut too. As for painting on canvas, that came later in life. I’ve always loved trying new artsy things—sticker painting, dot art, crafts, mixed media—you name it. One day I gave canvas painting a shot, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Rosie: So beautiful Rebecca!
I understand it wasn’t until you were older that you found the love of these canvas paintings as a hobby! I love that and know others will feel inspired by that, as well.
Rebecca: Yes, I didn’t paint much when I was younger. I was drawn more toward pencils, chalk and oil pastels, and all kinds of crafting. It wasn’t until I got older that I gave canvas painting a try. I had no idea what I was doing at first and had to learn as I went. Honestly, I’m still learning!
YouTube quickly became my go-to. I love watching painting tutorials, and Bob Ross is still one of my favorites. His calm encouragement and simplicity is wonderful, even if oil paints aren’t really my thing. I tend to work with acrylics or gouache, which makes following his techniques a bit trickier. Still, I’ve picked up some great tips from him—though I often need a refresher to remember exactly how they go.
There are tons of amazing acrylic tutorials on YouTube, and I’ve tried quite a few. I also follow some fantastic artists on Facebook who share tutorials and tips that keep me inspired and motivated to keep painting.
Rosie: I find painting and any arts and crafts so relaxing. Well, that is if there is no deadline. Do you feel the same way?
Rebecca: Painting is my stress reliever—but ironically, stress can also drain my creativity. When I’m overwhelmed, it’s hard to get into the right mindset to paint, so I usually save it for breaks when I can truly unwind. During those moments, painting becomes a calming escape, and I genuinely enjoy the process—and the results… most of the time.
Of course, not every piece turns out the way I hope. I’ve had my fair share of failed attempts. But that’s one of the things I love about working with canvas: if something doesn’t work, I can simply paint over it and start fresh. It’s a gentle reminder that creativity isn’t about perfection—it’s about persistence, exploration, and giving yourself permission to begin again.
I love using bright colors to paint places I dream of being. Sometimes, I wish I could just touch the painting and be transported there.
Rosie: Tell us some other things you enjoy doing.
Rebecca: I’m an avid reader, and books take up a lot of my spare time. I also work as a beta reader for a few authors, which means I get early-release copies and help catch errors before the books are published. It’s a rewarding way to stay connected to the writing world.
I’ve written and illustrated four children’s books, originally published through a small indie company. When it closed its doors, I transitioned to self-publishing through Amazon. I haven’t written anything new in a couple of years, but I hope to return to it someday—storytelling is still close to my heart.
Last summer, I started a Teachers Pay Teachers store, inspired by printable learning games I created for my own kindergarten classroom. I’ve since developed several resources for early learners, and I’m now exploring ways to promote my store. With so many amazing creators on the platform, it can be tough to get noticed. Gaining followers and reviews makes a big difference, but it’s definitely a challenge.
Rosie: I’ve looked at many projects you’ve made on the “Teachers Pay Teachers” site and love them. Thank you for putting those on there for us and learners out there. They are so wonderful! In fact, we have used “The Shape Maker” that we downloaded and I left this review
5 Stars for “The Shape Maker”
“I enjoyed working with our little one as she is learning how to write her letters. The samples of the shapes help her form straight lines and curves. We are also having fun cutting the shapes out and creating different objects from them. Her cutting skills have improved greatly from this activity.”
Here’s a link to Rebecca’s store at ► “Teachers Pay Teachers” if you are interested. 🙂
Rosie: Rebecca, thank you again for taking he time for this feature and sharing your art and the stories behind your creations. Have a wonderful school year, too!
If you would like to know more about Rebecca and her books, read below for more information.
Rebecca Lyndsey is a children’s book author, illustrator and teacher who was born in and still lives in the mountains of West Virginia with her wonderful husband and their very spoiled cats. In her spare time she likes to paint, sing, read, play Wii dance games and mystery game apps on her Kindle Fire and spend time outdoors with her husband. “World of Color” is her first book release and plans to continue writing and illustrating many more books in the future.
Rebecca Lyndsey’s ► Website ► Amazon Books (Look for her books on other store sites, as well.)
That’s all for today!
If you are an artist and would like a free, feature on this family-friendly page, write me a note.
Thanks always,
Rosie