Laurel has studied art since she was a child, drawing prolifically as a 5-year-old. She majored in art at college and worked for a while in graphic design but was drawn back to oil painting, her real passion.

She grew up in Illinois, headed West to California after college and eventually put down roots in rural Arroyo Grande.

She has studied on her own and attended workshops with current masters, such as Ted Goerschner, Libby Tolley, and Barry John Raybould.

Laurel’s paintings have been featured on the cover of SkyWest magazine and Vine Times. She was honored to be one of 25 California Plein Air painters invited to paint at Hearst Castle at both the 2009 and 2010 Plein Air Invitationals.

She is a member of the San Luis Outdoor Painters for the Environment (S.L.O.P.E.), the California Art Club and the American Impressionist Society.