Erin Galbraith is a Chicagoland-based artist whose path to art is shaped by a background outside the traditional fine arts track.

A highly creative child, Erin initially pursued the social sciences, earning a degree in Sociology from Illinois State University. After graduating, she spent several years in Silicon Valley working in the tech industry before returning to the Chicagoland area in 2015 to be closer to family.

Erin began painting seriously during the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting with acrylics, her practice quickly expanded to gouache, watercolor, oil, and most recently, pastels. Largely self-taught at first, she later supplemented her learning through classes and workshops, continually building technical skills across multiple mediums. She remains deeply committed to ongoing learning and creative growth.

Color is central to Erin’s work. Whether painting abstract compositions, still lifes, landscapes, or other subjects, she uses color as a primary means of expression across all mediums. In addition to traditional media, including oil, watercolor, gouache, acrylic, pastel, and mixed media, she also creates digital drawings and paintings designed to translate seamlessly into prints and digital downloads.

Erin’s focus is on continued exploration, consistent practice, and creative enjoyment. She exhibits and sells her work both locally and online, and participates in shows and opportunities whenever possible.

AFFILIATIONS & ORGANIZATIONS

2024 - 2025: Member & Elected Officer of the Board of the Lake County Art League - Corresponding Secretary

2024 - Present: Art Advocate with Art Impact Project

2025 - Present: Member of A.I.R. Studio & Gallery

2026 - Present: Board Member - A.I.R. Studio & Gallery

2026 - Present: Member of Chicago Pastel Painters (CPP)

2026 - Present: Member of the Lake County Art League

2026 - Present: Member of Chicago Alliance of Visual Artists (CAVA)

2026 - Present: Member of Alain Picard’s Cultivate Membership Community

JURIED SHOWS & EXHIBITIONS

2024

April: Wright Gallery, College of Lake County - Student Exhibition (Grayslake, IL)

2025

March-April: Blue Moon Gallery - “Wall Flowers” Exhibition (Grayslake, IL)

2026

May - June: ShadowBoxX Gallery - “Conflict of Interests” Exhibition (Waukegan, IL)

September - October: The Dole 4th Friday’s September Exhibition (Crystal Lake, IL)

October: Wright Gallery, College of Lake County - “Recent Works” Exhibition (Grayslake, IL)

October - December: The Dole 4th Friday’s October Exhibition (Crystal Lake, IL)

OTHER EXPERIENCE

2025

Judge, 70th Annual Deer Path Art League’s Art Fair on the Square, Lake Forest, IL

CERTIFICATES

Alain Picard Studio’s "Expressive Mark-Making” online course, certificate of completion - December 2025

PRESS / PUBLICATIONS

International Artist Magazine (October/November 2025 edition) - Featured artwork in “Creative Spark”

ArtBEAT Buzz - Artist Spotlight - November 2025

SKILLS

Web Design: SquareSpace platform

Newsletters: Mailchimp

Forms & Surveys: Jotform, Google

Blogs: Blogger & SquareSpace

Editorial: Professional proofreading & editing; Experienced Corresponding Secretary for non-profit board