I’m an Artist. I have worked with a variety of mediums and surfaces including acrylic, oil, canvas, walls/murals, airbrushing, watercolor, and charcoal drawing. I have won ribbons at the Orange County Fair for my Tole Painting, including 6 first place ribbons in 2001 - 2004.

I only took up art and painting a couple of years ago. Before I met the Lord, I floundered around unhappily in various jobs not knowing I had any special talents or abilities. He is the one who told me I was born to be Artist and got me into Face Painting. I didn’t even know that I liked children! He started bringing them into my life and showed me that I have an ability to relate to kids, and that I really love playing with them.

People often tell me I’m amazing. It’s God who is amazing! He’s the one who gave me this gift, so artistic tasks that are hard for other people come easily and naturally to me. It’s nothing I have done, and I can’t teach it to others.

My drawing ability was obvious even in Elementary School. However, I didn’t go to Art school. I have a B.A. in Social Ecology and a Minor in Women’s Studies from UC Irvine. While painting is fairly new to me, decorating the face is not. In high school I wanted to be a make-up artist, so I went to beauty school. I am probably the only Face Painter around who has an Esthetician's license! I also created a make-up website www.TheFrugalFace.com, and 12 years ago I did some pretty extreme cake decorating (1992 Orange County Fair Division Winner). When I started painting, I spent 2 years taking art classes from a variety of teachers.

The Lord has also blessed the rest of my family with artistic and creative ability. My Father has done Chinese Watercolor, a very difficult style of painting. My Mother is an exceptionally talented sculptor.  Her work is sold in several galleries. Amazingly, she's only been doing it two years.  My Brother was gifted with musical ability, and he now designs computer software.

People often ask me what I do during the week. When I’m not doing parties, there is still office work for my business to keep me busy. My free time is divided up between Ballet and Pilates classes, and painting classes. I would like to someday sell my paintings for a living in addition to Face Painting.

I live in Costa Mesa with my husband, Daniel, of 17 years, and my beloved cat, Trouble.

Lauren Pettit

One of my doll cakes