Artist Spotlight: Laura Cunningham

Laura Cunningham is an artist and graphic designer who resides in California, where she was born and raised in the art community of Laguna Beach. “I've been an artist my entire life. I received my BA in Art at CSULB and completed my MFA in graphic design at the Academy of Art in San Francisco. After working as a graphic designer for many years, I established my own private studio to launch my original line of coastal-themed artwork.” She offers her artwork on her website, www.lrcunningham.com.

Laura was inspired to become an artist by her mother who was an art teacher. “I've always felt a compulsion to be creative but I'm sure my artistic nature stems from growing up with a Mom who was an art teacher. There were always art supplies around the house.” The creative process is what Laura enjoys most about being an artist. “I enjoy getting lost in the creative process, I find it very calming. It is also really rewarding when my work touches people from all walks of life on an emotional level.”

A collection of Laura Cunningham's work pictured above.

Laura’s most prized art piece is her painting entitled “Cousteau”. “It includes a photo of the ocean I took while on my dad's boat. I combined it with an image of clouds, taken from a painting I did.  This piece holds special meaning for me as my dad was a marine biology teacher and taught me a lot about the ocean and how to respect our environment. I also recall watching a lot of episodes of Jacques Cousteau with him.” The coastline is seen often in Laura’s artwork, as it is the subject she most enjoys photographing and working with.

"Cousteau" by Laura Cunningham picture above. 

When starting a new project or piece, Laura finds inspiration in nature. “It's usually the quiet and simple things in nature that inspire me. Like a squadron of pelicans drifting down the coast or a single sandpiper running along the sand. I also find inspiration in vintage graphics and old photographs.” To aspiring artists, Laura encourages not comparing your work to that of others. “Don't worry about how your art compares to others, keep going down your creative path. And continue to put your artwork out in the world, your tribe will find you.”

Laura found Golden State Art when searching for mat boards for her prints. “Art prints make my work more accessible to more collectors. The Golden State Art's Show Kit Packs are an easy and affordable way to present my artwork to these collectors. The 11x14 matted prints are a perfect size for bringing along to art shows.”

Visit Laura’s website and Instagram below to view and purchase her work, and to stay up to date on new pieces!

Laura’s Website:www.lrcunningham.com

Laura’s Instagram: @artLRC

View more of Laura’s beautiful artwork below.