Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Robinson.
Hi Laura, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
To me, creativity is the joy of my life. I was lucky enough to be encouraged by my parents to paint at an early age. I studied painting in college, earning a BFA at Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. During my junior year spent abroad in Rome, I discovered watercolor. That year was a unique experience due to the vast selection of watercolor papers in art stores, the hot light in Rome, and the opportunity to study and live in a different culture. During the early years of my marriage, I learned to fly a single-engine airplane, taking many trips up and down the US East Coast as co-pilot with my husband. Our most extended trip was to North Dakota from Virginia. Now we have a 34-foot Mainship Trawler and spend most summers in Maine on the boat. My inspiration comes from the adventures traveling by boat from the Dry Tortugas near Key West to the wild rocky coastline in Maine. My paintings have given me great pleasure and continue to challenge me. I have shown my work and won prizes nationally at the National Watercolor Society, internationally at the American Embassy in Rome, statewide at the Florida Watercolor Society and Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda, and locally at the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach, the Artists’ Workshop in New Smyrna Beach and the Daytona Beach Art League.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
After graduating from college, I tried working in low-paying art-related jobs, recognizing pay would be limited. I detoured and returned to college, earning a Master’s Degree in Computer Science. I worked for IBM for 10 years developing software before eventually resigning to raise 2 children. I started painting again at that point. Taking a break from painting was hard, but every life experience shapes your perspective.
Thanks for sharing that. Please tell us more about your work.
I am a figurative painter focusing on capturing small moments in time with watercolor by using color, value, edges, texture, and interesting shapes to express the effects of light on water and the people seen on my travels. I capture movement in my paintings whenever possible. I focus on supporting artists and art organizations by serving on the boards of 3 arts groups: the Volusia County Cultural Alliance (a non-profit network of cultural organizations committed to the development of the arts in Volusia County), Artists’ Workshop of New Smyrna Beach, (non-profit providing classes, workshops and exhibition opportunities for adults and children) and Beaux-Arts of Central Florida (a group of 55 professional artists). As president of the Artists’ Workshop from 2011-2013, I managed the transition to a new location cohabiting with the Marine Discovery Center, another non-profit, on the grounds of the old vacant high school site in New Smyrna Beach. Thirteen years later, both groups have grown and desperately need more space. I returned to the Board last year to work towards an expansion plan. I find that I am happiest when painting; when each painting is complete, I must start another immediately.
We could discuss what matters most to you and why.
Building better communities by becoming a volunteer and supporting local cultural organizations is essential. I want to thank all the other volunteers who improve the quality of life in their communities by making it possible for art and other cultural groups to exist. These groups provide a place for seniors to come during the day to make new friends and continue growing, a place for working people to develop hobbies after working hours, and a place for teens and children to develop new interests during school breaks.
Support your local art associations and become a patron of the arts! Non-profit art groups like the Artists’ Workshop of New Smyrna Beach need financial support to grow with their communities. Your readers can help by donating to an award at an annual exhibition in honor of someone you love or admire. Also, if you are 73 or older, the IRS requires you to take required minimum distributions from your IRA accounts each year. A qualified charitable distribution (QCD) directly transfers funds from your IRA to a qualified charity and is excluded from your taxable income.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.laurarobinsonartist.com
