Meet The Artist: Laura Rich
Laura was born in Wiltshire and studied Graphic Design and Illustration at Bath Spa University College, gaining a BA Hons in 2001. Her contemporary landscape paintings are sold in galleries across England and held in private collections internationally. Laura has been commissioned to work on large commercial projects for P&O and Cunard, and regularly sells work to interior designers for placement in clients' homes.
We caught up with Laura to find out more about her work as an artist and the inspiration behind her work.
Tell us a little bit about your journey to becoming an artist….
I know it sounds a bit of a cliche, but it was all I ever wanted to do. I was that kid who used my parent’s encyclopedia collection to copy pictures (mainly of tigers) and would screw the page up if it wasn’t absolutely right! My mum realised quite early on that the only time I’m quiet is when I’m drawing, so there was always a ready supply of art equipment in our house! I was also really lucky with my teachers at school who encouraged and inspired me. I did A-Level art which led to a foundation course and a degree in Graphic Design, specialising in illustration. That was 20 years ago now and I’m still at my happiest with a pencil or paintbrush in my hand.
What or who is your biggest inspiration?
My parents. They taught me to work hard and never give up.
Which parts of the UK inspire you the most and how is this reflected in your work?
The sea. I sometimes get quite grumpy that I don’t live by the sea. We go as often as we can as we’re just an hour’s drive from the Dorset coast. A lot of my work is centered around the Rame Peninsular in Cornwall, where we visit as often as we can. We have been visiting and staying there for 20 years; it feels like home there - one day I hope it will be. I’m also very drawn to the big skies on the downland near our home in Wiltshire, I think that’s pretty evident in my work.
How would you describe your work? In three words, perhaps?
Emotional
Intuitive
Soft
Are there any mediums that you prefer?
Painting and Drawing in equal measure.
Do you have a studio space at home?
Yes, I’m really lucky, we bought an ugly 1970’s bungalow because it had a separate garage with northeast light. It was the first thing we renovated when we moved in 4 years ago. It’s my haven.
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What are you most excited about for the future?
I’m always excited to be able to continue to develop my work. I have lots of ideas in the pipelines and new work will follow. I’m grateful to do something I love every day and I hope that shows in my paintings.
