Art that Inspires You

Through my oil paintings I hope to share my passion for the wild beauty of the American West and its awe-inspiring inhabitants. In my landscapes I aim to encapsulate the properties of light and atmosphere that define the unique time and place of the scene I am painting. My paint is applied alla prima or wet-in-wet to capture the vibrant color and immediacy of the scene without being overly realistic. I paint en plein air whenever possible and seek to reproduce the same impressions in my larger studio pieces. My wildlife portraits are painted from pictures I’ve taken in the wilderness, reinforcing my connection to my subjects and their environment. In these works I hope to capture the essence or spirit of the animal informed by firsthand observation. Whether landscape or beast, I endeavor to create a dialogue with my subjects, transcending mere representation. Hopefully my work will inspire others to experience this amazing world and to find as much joy in untamed nature as I do.

My studio is currently in the beautiful Bitterroot Valley.

Lara