I’m Hailey Thompson, the artist behind Watercolorwoods! My work reflects the wild turquoise rivers, massive glaciers, and ocean waves that make me feel most joyful. I spent years in the Coast Guard and captaining ships before I transitioned to making a life out of art full time. Home in Alaska is my constant source of inspiration - brilliant winter auroras, moss-coated rainforests, beaches of fireweed & lupine, and the many inhabitants (human & otherwise) that make living here so exciting.

I believe art is a love language, and beyond using it to add color to our lives, it’s a means to share powerful information and connect with our communities. I believe being on rivers, in the mountains, and on the ocean helps us grow relationships with those places and drives us to protect them - hence the subjects of so many of my paintings. I hope people see my art and feel the massive amounts of joy and awe that inspire them.

A woman with blonde hair wearing a gray sweater and blue pants is smiling and working with art supplies on a wooden table. In the background, there are colorful paintings and art materials in a cozy indoor space with large windows showing a snowy landscape outside.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Photo: Gretchen Powers

I love traveling, and exploring whitewater rivers in my kayak, ski touring in the mountains, and scrambling around rocks and alpine meadows. I’m a reader, a terrible knitter, and a passionate cook (I hate following recipes). I’m an environmental film producer and advocate, and you can learn more about my work in river restoration and salmon conservation here, if you’re interested.

A woman in a purple helmet, kokatat life jacket, and purple drysuit paddling a bright green whitewater kayak on a river surrounded by rocks and tall cliffs.

All of my merchandise is made with environmentally responsible production methods. I collaborate with small businesses to produce goods that are high in quality and sustainability. You can see some of my favorite small businesses that I work with here.

Thanks for reading some of my story!

Cheers,

- Hailey

Young woman with blonde hair smiling, lying on colorful autumn leaves, wearing a yellow skida x watercolorwoods beanie with a black jacket, looking up at the camera.