By Aubree Rutter  

REXBURG—A pad of paper is flipped open on a dining room table. It’s surrounded by a case of watercolors, a mason jar filled with water, and an assortment of paintbrushes. Each paintbrush is used for a specific purpose, with the bigger ones used to create wide, sweeping strokes and the smaller brushes designed to fill in details like the branches of a tree. This is a peek into the life of Rexburg artist Shelby Thayne.  

Thayne began painting in 2019 after her family moved from Utah to Washington state. The inspiration to try watercolor came after she wanted to find a creative outlet. Thayne explained, “I knew I needed something that didn’t take up a lot of space and I could do safely with my kids.” Her passion for art sparked her decision to form a business in January 2020. Shelby Thayne Art began as a website with a few original watercolor prints for sale, with a way for customers to order and ship art to their doorstep.  

Now, in addition to watercolor prints, Shelby Thayne Art sells stationery, ornaments, stickers, and calendars. Each product has a signature watercolor design and brings a smile to customers.  

Shelby, herself, also teaches watercolor classes via Zoom twice a month. Her long-term goal is to host and sell pre-recorded watercolor classes. Thayne said, “I want to offer people a chance to try a beginner watercolor class with all of the supplies ready to go.” What started as a way to balance art with motherhood has blossomed into a growing brand that brings joy to others through art.   

Part of this growth includes transitioning the Shelby Thayne Art website to a larger platform that can support more art orders. Thayne plans to reach a wider audience in Rexburg and inspire more individuals to pick up a brush.

“Everybody needs places where beauty can heal and cheer and give strength to the body and soul alike. I want to add beauty to the world when I paint,” Thayne said. Whether it’s a carefully painted ornament, a charming sticker, or a peaceful landscape print, each piece from Shelby Thayne Art reflects the heart and soul she pours into her craft.   

For more information, customers can browse the Shelby Thayne Art website and bring a little more beauty into their lives. Come explore the joy of Shelby Thayne Art here.