Louise Brooks and Laura Callaghan started painting collaboratively in 2020. Both artists live close to the beach in Saltdean, East Sussex and share the same passion for the sea. The ever-changing vistas from sunrise to sunset are a constant source of inspiration. By combining their mixed media techniques they have discovered new and exciting ways to capture breath-taking seaside views from dawn till dusk.
Louise's fascination with the natural world has led to an in-depth study of geology to gain a better understanding of how rocks and minerals form. This has resulted in the use of multiple layers in her work, reflecting a passage of time, as each layer overlaps; it creates a myriad of colours, contrast and texture beneath the surface. Since her first solo show in 2001, Louise’s work has been widely exhibited in the UK. Her award-winning artwork has become a part of both private and corporate collections throughout Britain, Europe, the USA and Asia.
Laura is inspired by the places she has visited, things she has seen and how they make her feel. It is her emotive response to the world that inspires her to recreate elements from her experiences and convey them onto canvas.
Laura paints in a very organic way, using a selection of collaged paper-based ephemera as the basis, she builds up mixed media with found objects and different varieties of paint. The resulting canvases have hidden depths and meaning with delicate translucent layers. She also takes inspiration from the natural world and her artworks reflect her passion for recycling and reviving found objects, particularly those that would be otherwise overlooked. Her work has been showcased in small exhibitions in the UK and has had artwork endorsed by Sir David Attenborough.
Their unique artistic partnership is a true collaboration in terms of techniques with the artists quickly becoming unified in their quest to capture the essence of the natural world. More specifically the sea, and the sanctuary it represents to them both.
There is a sense of escapism in every piece, each one a shared visualisation, a journey taken together. The result is unique artworks that capture light, time and contemplation. By using a mixture of found materials, paint and carefully selected precious stones, gems and crystals, each painting truly original and a labour of love.
