Laura Callaghan started painting collaboratively with Louise Brooks in 2020, learning her techniques and secrets for layering multiple mixed media coats that capture breath-taking seaside views from dawn till dusk. 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.
Today, Laura is working solo on her seascapes. The paintings reflect a passage of time, as each layer overlaps; it creates a myriad of colours, contrast and texture beneath the surface.
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.
For Laura, the sea and nature are her sanctuary.
There is a sense of escapism in every piece, each one a beautiful visualisation, a journey into the natural world. 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.
A collection of these two artists collaborative works are currently available at ART5 for a limited time only. After twenty years with the gallery, Louise has decided it is the right time for her to retire from the art world. Happily Laura will continue to paint beautiful shimmering seascapes that work with the light having shared the same creative vision with Louise over these past few years.
