Meet Laura Bowman of Laura Bowman Art in Dallas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Bowman.

Laura, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always loved art. For as long as I can remember, I have been covered in paint. Growing up, I never wanted to be anything other than an artist except maybe a stilt walker. Ultimately, I went to school for art and have been trying to hone my craft since.

My style as a working artist has developed through trial and error. I have tried many mediums and techniques. The first time I painted with acrylics, it was instant love, so my medium of choice tends to be acrylic paints. At times, I mix my layers with oils or encaustics to achieve a different look. I try to keep my artwork fresh and exciting by trying new techniques. Artwork evolution often occurs as a result.

In my earlier career, I was strictly a landscape painter and showed in various galleries across the country. I love trying to capture the beauty and peace of a landscape. Nature is my happy place and so I try to recreate that serene feeling in my landscape paintings.

In the more recent years, I have shifted my focus to paintings that tell a story. I want the viewer to connect with a painting somewhere deep within themselves. I want them to connect to a forgotten or overlooked place in their soul and find renewal.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Has it been a smooth road? Ha! Is anything worthwhile easy? After I earned my college degree, I waited tables and bartended for years. I hung my work anywhere that would have it and was so grateful for the breaks that came my way. Modern Primitive Gallery took a chance on an unknown artist and I started the slow build of my resume. There were days of prosperity followed by days of famine. I worked odd jobs when I needed to pay my bills. I was taken advantage of by art agents, buyers, and even galleries. It is still a challenge to keep my work exhibited in reputable places while balancing my family life.

Being self-employed, I have to make a painting in my studio a priority. I have to paint whether I am feeling particularly creative or not. More times than not, the creativity comes if I put forth the effort. Complacency is an enemy of artists.

Comparison is another struggle that I face. Am I good enough? Will my work be well received? What is my place in the art world? I have to remind myself that God has a specific plan for me and when I stay true to that, I am enough.

Most artists don’t have an innate sense of business and I am no exception. It has been tough to be disciplined in everything that goes along with owning your own business. There is no secret formula and I struggle with it.

Have there been bumps in my road to becoming an artist? Absolutely! And they will continue. These hard times make the successes all the sweeter.

Laura Bowman Art – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am an artist. I do mostly acrylic and encaustic paintings on wood. I have a style that is my own through color selection and layering. I specialize in connectivity- a connection between a viewer and a painting in an effort to evoke an emotion; most commonly joy and peace.

I make a big effort in my community to give back. I often donate pieces for charity auctions. My favorite way to make a difference is through live painting. I sometimes paint live at charity events and churches. The painting is then auctioned to raise funds for their cause.

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I guess my proudest moment has come gradually… when I realized that success as an artist doesn’t come by how many paintings you sell or in how many galleries you show. It doesn’t come in having your name known or even being relevant to the times. Success comes when someone looks at one of your paintings and their life is changed, somehow made better. It is that moment that fills my soul and makes me incredibly grateful.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.laurabowman.com
• Phone: 404-273-7236
• Email: laura.bowman.art@gmail.com

Image Credit:
Shannan Thompson Art

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.