Meet the Artist: Laura Allen James

Name: Laura Allen James

Birthplace: Borger, Texas. Nov. 22, 1965

Favorite Medium: Acrylic on canvas

Laura Allen James’ life passion started in a typical sibling fashion, trying to be like her older sister Kim. "I adore her," James says, "even from the early days."

James recalled an art lesson she took with her older sister. During the lesson a teacher taught her sister to draw a mum in pastel."It was so beautiful to me," James revealed. "I wanted to be able to do that too."

While many of her artistic influences reads like a who’s who - Renoir, Van Gogh, Jackson Pollock, and Cezanne – one artist has always been her gold standard, Claude Monet.

"When I saw posters of his Water Lilies I was amazed by his use of color and the beauty of his interpretation of the scenes around him," she shared. "I had no idea at the time what was behind the artists’ work or what the impressionist movement was all about. I just knew I loved it."

James says impressionism inspired her to pay attention to light and closely observe the scenes and colors around her.

The self-professed experimental artist says she's constantly trying new techniques while staying true to her first love - painting on canvas with bright primary colors. James says her work expresses her passion and fascination with colors and how they interact.

"I feel art should be felt as much as seen... I love it when people find not only beauty and peace in my work, but also find it thought provoking."

Like most artists who live near the water, James interests have taken a nautical bend, "The work that is bringing me the most satisfaction currently has a watery feel to it. I love the water and am fascinated and awed by the sea," she says.

James' artwork is displayed in a vareity of venues including museums, galleries, private homes, and corporate offices. "I enjoy working with interior decorators and designers to create the perfect piece for a client - a piece from which they will always derive joy," she says.

Even though her career is a solo one, she appreciates the all-for-one sensibilities of an organization she belongs to, the Palm Harbor Art Club. "We are a group of artists trying to support each other and gain recognition and exhibition opportunities for all of us," she said.

Laura Allen James is available for commissions for designers and corporate or personal clients. For more information you can contact her at ljames@ljamesart.com