About The Artist

I was born in Chicago but now live on the Oregon Coast. I have shown work in Washington, Idaho and Oregon for 25 years. I lived in the Chicago area until I was 21, lived in Minnesota for several years, then Idaho; and now the place I hope I never have to leave, the Oregon Coast. I have three grown children and share a home with Mike, my husband of 34 years, on property containing some true old growth trees. I paint plein air and from life whenever possible. The impact of being on location is hard to match, although photography is part of the process if I want to produce a large piece in the studio from the work done on site and the photos I took there . George Carlson, a renowned sculpture and painter, told me once, "If you paint from life you always paint the truth. I'm blessed to get up every morning as an artist. This gift I have received has given me experiences I'll never forget and has kept me as close as an adult can hope to be to the joy and exuberance children feel in their world. My work has been juried into several Oil Painters of America Western Regional Competitions. I placed second in an Idaho State Competition, was juried into the Mini 100's of Paint the Parks Competition and have won purchase awards and honorariums over the years at various shows across Idaho, Washington and Oregon. If you would like to contact me, my email is privatebeach66@yahoo.com. I also have a website: www.lauracollinsartist.com, if you want to see more and read my resume and artist's statement. Each painting shown in my portfolio is beautifully framed. Hope you enjoy my work..