Guest Artist: Laura Abbott

Today, I introduce you to Laura Abbott, a talented artist. After art school, Laura began teaching art in various locations, including New Hampshire, Syracuse, and Rochester. She offers private lessons and has been a face painter at the Fairport Canal Days festival for over 20 years. Laura’s distinctive style involves exploring various artistic mediums. She believes experimenting with different techniques enhances artistic skills, similar to how professionals in other fields innovate to improve.

I visited Laura’s home to discuss the blog. Her artistic eye is evident in her eclectic mix of artwork, found objects, and heirlooms, creating a warm atmosphere. After a tour of her home, we chose two projects to share: Zentangle animals and a watercolor painting she's working on. Laura is always seeking artistic growth and signed up for a watercolor class taught by Kathy Armstrong, an admired artist.

 Laura is always seeking artistic growth and signed up for a watercolor class in the class each student picked a photo to work from. Laura chose one of a Peony.

To start her project, she began by sketching the image on newsprint paper using a grid technique, gently marking the paper with squares. She explained that this method assists in maintaining the proportions of the picture. After completing this step, she transfers the image onto watercolor paper. Once the picture is sketched on the paper, the real excitement begins as she starts adding color!

Using a paint palette, she carefully brings the painting to life by shading and highlighting.

Here is Laura with her finished watercolor painting. It is so beautiful; can you believe this is her first time using watercolor? Amazing!

The second project was inspired by Zentagles. Laura had been looking for something to give her grand nieces and nephews as gifts. She decided to make art pieces for each using Zentagle patterns and their favorite animals.

This is an example of the patterns.

She found images online of animals that her grandnieces and grandnephews liked. She then drew a contour line drawing.

Using the original drawing as a reference, she divided it up into logical pieces—like muscles, fins, ears, legs—depending on the animal. The choices are endless for patterns and colors, so that part is what makes it special. She then chose a pattern for each part, outlined it with a Micron Pen, and added color with Prismacolor pencils.

Along with the wolf I also included a cow and dog. Lucky nieces and nephews! I love them all, but my favorite is the cow!

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and subscribe to receive posts as they are created.