This morning on Good Morning Northland, we had the pleasure of welcoming Leeann Huot, the talented artist who created a wonderful Aurora Borealis watercolor painting.

Leeann, the owner of HuArt Art and Design, was busy working on her piece during the show, and we had the chance to chat with her about her inspiration and journey as an artist.

“I decided to do the Aurora Borealis Northern Lights because it’s a composition we’ve done in previous classes,”Leeann explained. “And I thought, in honor of Lea and the weather, let’s do an Aurora Borealis theme today.”

The piece, which is part of a beginner-friendly watercolor class, draws inspiration from the beauty of the Northern Lights—a natural wonder beloved by so many in the Northland. “It’s a great option for beginners,” she said. “You never really know what you’re going to get when you lay down the paints, and there are different techniques to create the composition.”

Leeann’s journey into the world of painting has been a winding one. After initially studying oil painting in college, she took time off to raise her children before rediscovering her love for watercolor. “Once I was able to find a little more time for myself, I fell in love with watercolor, and it’s been my primary focus for the last few years,” she shared.

Her passion for teaching others has led her to host beginner watercolor classes at local businesses, including Wild State Cider and Duluth Tap Exchange. “I try to do two to four classes a month,” Leeann said. “The classes are really focused on making art approachable, and it’s been amazing to see the support from small businesses in the area.”

Leeann also brought a special surprise for viewers—she’s offering a giveaway for her upcoming watercolor class next month, just in time for Mother’s Day. “We’re going to do a Queen Bee and Blooms class for Mother’s Day,” she announced. “I’ll save two spots for the giveaway watercolor class next month.”

You can get your certificate if you win our raffle at the Home Show this weekend. So that’s another great reason to stop by the Arrowhead Home & Builders Show at the DECC!