Laura Howarth   SWA

I am an abstract landscape painter, based in Bristol. 

My approach to my work is instinctual and process driven. There is an intention as I work, but not a plan and the painting process allows me to create chaos and then to draw this into some kind of order. 

Recent paintings focus on imprints and footprints left on the land by living creatures, natural forces and time. These markings interest me because they take time to uncover and leave traces of the past.

My present investigation into the history of a landscape began a few years ago at Ballinglen Arts Foundation in Ireland where I was able to study the richness of the peat bogs covered in wildflowers, the ancient lichen-covered stone walls and Neolithic ruins hidden in this abandoned wilderness. 

A return to Ballinglen for a group residency in 2018 allowed for further exploration of the area, widening my focus to encompass the wild coastline. 

Painting in oil and cold wax medium lends itself very well to this exploration. I use layers of oil and cold wax medium to build up and then uncover subtleties, nuances, light and texture.

Working in this way allows me to tap into connections with a particular place at a deep level, to uncover, unearth and go beneath the surface to explore subliminal associations with the landscape. The gradual build-up of layers which are later scratched away allows for instinctual marks and a digging that goes on as I try to connect, to make sense of the landscape. 

In my most recent works I have begun to explore the use of photographic transfer techniques and collage, using water-based media in some instances and I have begun to exploit the properties of pigments to add texture and pouring of glazes to add depth to the work. 

I was accepted last year as an associate member of the SWA and am presently represented by Hadfield Gallery, Cheltenham and Heritage Courtyard Studios, Wells. I am also an active Artist Network member of the Royal West of England Academy and have work in private collections in the UK, Europe, USA and Australia. 

Laura is an abstract landscape painter based in Bristol, who became a professional artist after a long career in art education.

Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, USA she gained a BA in Art and Art Education from Western Washington State University, moving to the UK shortly after this. 

She completed a post-graduate Diploma in Multimedia Studies, Bristol Polytechnic in 1989. 

Laura's career in education involved teaching art at secondary level and in further education in London, Bristol and Lincolnshire as well as acting as an art advisor to Lincolnshire secondary schools. 

After moving to Bristol, Laura's involvement with the Royal West of England Academy began and has continued through her membership of the RWA Artist Network and her role as a course tutor. She regularly exhibits in RWA Annual Exhibitions and as an invited contributor to the annual RWA secret postcard auctions.

Laura has been interviewed by the 'Floating Circle - Meet the Artist' series on the RWA Friends website.

Laura is represented by Hadfield Gallery; Cheltenham, Heritage Courtyard Studios; Wells. She regularly takes part in local art trails, one of which she founded in 2014, holds classes and makes presentations to local arts organisations and has work in private collections in the UK, Europe, USA and Australia.