STAR"TISTS SPRING FLOWERS ISSUE | Page 58

STAR: What is your inspiration behind your paintings? LAURA.M: As I am an ardent lover of nature.I draw my inspiration from the surroundings.I live in a beautiful country and the landscapes here are a feast for my eyes.I try to paint on the spot.Usually, we see things, especially how different types of light, atmosphere, and weather affect our visual perception. I study this concept by painting the same subject, usually very simple, in var- ying times of day and types of weather and in different seasons. STAR: When did you become an artist and what makes you passionate about art? LAURA.M: I’ve been drawing and coloring for as long as I can remember. My first sketchbook was given to me at the age of 6. I loved to draw, paint rocks and create anything I could. Art is a form of self-expression and for me, it has always been part of my life. Art gives a unique perspective to the world through the artist’s eyes, like an alternate reality. STAR: What artists inspire you.What is the source of inspiration? LAURA.M: I’m inspired by all kinds of artists, from landscape to abstract. Art to me is so varied and so beau- tiful that I’m drawn to all kinds. A few artists I’m in- spired by are Heather Pant, a fellow Canadian landscape artist who does absolutely stunning landscapes with bold colours and incredible movements. A brilliant artist I’m inspired by is Jana Milne, another Canadian artist. Title : Backyard Fruitvale STAR: What are you working on now, and what are your plans for the future? LAURA.M: Currently I’m working on finishing the final two pieces to my 8 piece series. I held a photo submission contest for images from around Canada. I received an overwhelming amount of photos so it was difficult to pick so I ended up choosing 8 to work from. I later did a draw from those names and the winner got a free 16x20 painting of their choice. 58 That was a lot of fun to work on. I have also watercolour pieces as a side project for my w ing packages of postcards and greeting cards plans for the future are to continue to do my w to put together party packages for wine and p