Paula Fontana
Artist | Designer

Hello there, and thank you for visiting Grayling, an art and design studio dedicated to celebrating creativity and integrating art into our everyday lives. The studio offers original artwork, surface and pattern design, curated home décor, artful gifts, and creative workshops—all thoughtfully created to bring a touch of artful living into your daily life.

I’m Paula Fontana, a creative with over 20 years of experience in the graphic arts. In 2023, I founded Grayling, inspired by the belief that no matter your age or stage in life, embracing a creative mindset can open the door to joy, growth, and deeper connections to ourselves and others.

After years as a creative director for ecommerce and publishing companies, a family visit brought me back to my roots. Time spent creating hand-crafted projects reminded me how much I missed working with my hands and the sense of fulfillment that comes from shared creative moments. That realization became a turning point, reconnecting me with the tactile joy of making art—and from that spark, Grayling was born.

The retail arm, GraylingHome, brings Grayling’s designs to life. Partnering with skilled manufacturers both locally and abroad, I transform my original artworks and patterns into functional, unique creations—everyday essentials designed to add a subtle, artful touch to your life.

The studio’s Artful Workshops reflect my passion for creating and sharing with others. From gel plate printmaking and papermaking to collage and brushless painting, participants explore simple yet transformative techniques that require no prior experience or fancy equipment. Whether layering textures, experimenting with color, or crafting unique prints, these workshops offer a space to slow down, build confidence, and explore creative possibilities with curiosity and connection.

A favorite quote from Elizabeth Gilbert perfectly reflects my creative philosophy:
“A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life, and a hell of a lot more interesting life.”

Through my work and teaching, I strive to help others embrace this amplified life, blending creativity with purpose and inspiring them to make space for art in their everyday lives.

Thank you for joining me on this exploration.

Paula

#artfullivingeveryday

I am a member of the National League of American Pen Women (Fort Lauderdale Branch), the Gold Coast Watercolor Society, and the Florida Watercolor Society. Being part of these organizations allows me to connect with fellow artists, continue growing creatively, and contribute to the local art community.