Family of five sitting in the sand on a beach with dunes and grass in the background, smiling at the camera.

Meet Lauren

Lauren Henderson Owens is a California-based contemporary artist inspired by coastal living, travel, and beautifully designed interiors. A lifelong traveler, she has always been drawn to the excitement of discovering somewhere new—a love she now shares with her family, whether exploring a new destination or simply spending the day by the water.

Working in acrylic, Lauren creates paintings that celebrate leisurely days, destination glamour, and the feeling of being in full-on vacation mode. Drawn to the visual symmetry of colorful umbrellas, brilliant blue water, and the sense of possibility that comes with being somewhere new, her work captures the playful beauty and visual rhythm of resort life—bringing a sense of escape to everyday spaces.

After more than 15 years working in higher education —and earning a Doctorate in Education from the University of Texas at Austin along the way—Lauren found her way back to painting while raising her three young children. Today, her work is shaped by travel, interiors, fashion, and life in Southern California.

With philanthropy woven into her professional background and the ocean so deeply connected to her family life and artistic inspiration, supporting the Surfrider Foundation feels like a natural extension of Lauren's creative practice. She donates 10% of every art sale to the organization, helping support its mission to protect and enjoy our ocean, waves, and beaches for all.