California Artist Helen Steele

By laura / February 17, 2022 / Comments Off on California Artist Helen Steele

California Artist Helen Steele came into my life for a reason. Sometimes people come into our lives for reasons unknown at the time.  I met California artist, Helen Steele just a few short weeks ago during our artist residency at Chateau Orquevaux.  Although I knew her for only a brief moment in time, Helen impacted…

Read More

International Travel Through France

By laura / February 15, 2022 / Comments Off on International Travel Through France

International travel looks different than it used to. Luckily, it’s not that different.  International travel requirements seem to change on a daily basis so it’s important for me to focus elsewhere.  My travel journal is a documentation of my personal experiences through the French countryside and beyond. My parents hug me good-bye after we pull…

Read More

Sturgeon Spearing On Lake Winnebago

By laura / February 11, 2022 /

This is Red. Red has been sturgeon spearing since he was a boy in the 1950s.  He hasn’t missed a single year on the ice of Lake Winnebago since then.  The odds of spearing this prehistoric fish are slim, but that doesn’t deter him. The truth is, Red isn’t too concerned about spearing a sturgeon.…

Read More

Solo Travel Through France

By laura / February 8, 2022 / Comments Off on Solo Travel Through France

My solo travel adventures through France begin today. Chateau Orquevaux is the final destination for today, but a lot will happen between then and now. It’s important for me to begin this travel journal with a grateful heart.  This solo travel experience wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the support of my incredible family,…

Read More

Mundane Days Inspire Photography Project

By laura / January 26, 2022 / Comments Off on Mundane Days Inspire Photography Project

Always carrying my camera results in capturing inspiration when it hits. Art can be created anytime and anywhere even on the most mundane days.  When I’m in the present moment, I notice subtleties overlooked by the casual observer. This is what I love most about creativity, it hits when you least expect it.  I thrive…

Read More

Lake Michigan Cottage Vacation

By laura / January 19, 2022 / Comments Off on Lake Michigan Cottage Vacation

Our Lake Michigan cottage vacation was truly amazing. Fog moves in quickly, consuming us.  It’s late spring, but the chill in the air makes it feel otherwise.  We’re wrapped in blankets, head to toe.  Able to move just enough to sip our wine and tend to the fire.  Two cousins, a sister and me. Between…

Read More

Guanacaste Costa Rica Nature Hike

By laura / January 12, 2022 / Comments Off on Guanacaste Costa Rica Nature Hike

Experience a unique perspective of Guanacaste, Costa Rica I capture my travels through the lens because I want to give you the opportunity to experience details which are often overlooked.  Quietly hiking though Guanacaste, Costa Rica is my kind of vacation.  The silence inspires and motivates me to learn more about the culture of Costa…

Read More

Vintage Photography Inspires Fine Art

By laura / January 5, 2022 / Comments Off on Vintage Photography Inspires Fine Art

Nothing beats the nostalgia of vintage photography albums. Especially when they’re created by loved ones.  While admiring my grandmother’s vintage photography, I can’t help but wonder if my passion for art and travel came from her. I’m drawn to photography because it captures a single moment in time. The photos that hang on a refrigerator…

Read More

Abstract Paintings By Midwest Artist

By laura / December 29, 2021 / Comments Off on Abstract Paintings By Midwest Artist

The process starts with abstract paintings. After fifteen years, I dust off my paints and brushes.  It feels natural to paint again.  With a minimal palette, I layer and blend oil paint into abstract paintings. Ironically, inspiration for my paintings comes from photography produced in the darkroom.  My creative process cycles through my favorite mediums,…

Read More

Leica M6 35mm Film Camera

By laura / December 22, 2021 / Comments Off on Leica M6 35mm Film Camera

German engineering attracted me to Leica and convinced me to buy a Leica M6. My Leica M6 never disappoints.  This 35mm rangefinder film camera helps me get back to the basics of why I fell in love with photography in the first place. My goal as an artist is to teach you how to see.…

Read More