Laura started painting watercolors in 1991. Studied under the direction of Beverly Pedersen, local instructor, friend and mentor. She has also taken workshops from Carla O’Connor, Fumiko Kimura, and Bill McEnroe. Laura is a signature member of the Northwest Watercolor Society and was awarded the top prize in the 2000 National Show.
Her painting has evolved from using just watercolors and now mixes dyes, gouache, acrylics, inks, collage, watercolor crayons and pencils. This gives her work a unique style and strong colors. She likes to experiment using different papers and techniques, going all out to fearlessly finish the painting. Her complex painting style includes an underpainting of strong shapes and vibrant colors. This base painting provides textural interest and a ground for subsequent layers, all reflecting her affinity for abstract design. She also likes to start with a direct approach painting her impression of what she sees and feels about the subject. Laura is currently working on abstracts which are based on her memories of motorcycle trips. She sees the roads as ribbons winding thru forms that relate to the mountains, canyons, rivers and tree patterns of her frequent trips thru the Northwest and beyond.
Painting a wide variety of subjects both real and abstract reflect Laura’s diverse life style. She has owned and operated her own espresso kiosk in Key Center for the past 15 years. “Close to Home Espresso” is a local gathering place and patrons encouraged her recent decision to devote more time to painting. Other passions include riding her BMW Motorcycle. She likes to go on touring trips which include camping along the way. Last year she traveled close to 20,000 miles, some with the BMW club she belongs to and with her “motorcycling sister”, Tina.
A native to Washington State, Laura purchased her own Lakebay home in 1991, which views the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. She shares this beautiful site with her eight year old walking companion “Shorty” and two comforting cats: Emmy Lou and Fuzzy.
