In the last decade, Laural’s passion for painting has become a full-time pursuit, exhibiting locally and interstate, in both group and solo exhibitions. Laural has won several awards at exhibitions including the Myrtleford Art Show, King Valley Art Show, Milawa Feast of Art & Trinity College Art Show. Laural was also accepted as a Finalist in St Kevin’s College & Bayside Exhibitions, Camberwell Art Show and was guest artist at the Blinman Art Exhibition in the Flinders Ranges, which is a huge compliment.

“Growing up, I loved to sketch. I had a knack for it, and Art quickly became my favourite subject at school, and although I didn’t start to take it seriously until later in life, it isn’t surprising that this is where I find myself now. I just wish I’d picked up a brush a lot earlier!

When my husband and I retired, I found I had a lot of time on my hands. I joined a local Art class led by my now friend and an amazing artist in her own right, Kate Gorman. I studied under Kate for just over 4 years, and by then I was ready and confident to enter local exhibitions. Being reasonably successful, I took the plunge and began to sell my work.

I attribute travelling to places like Tibooburra, which is a remote town in the far northwest of NSW to being the inspiration behind my current style. It’s a true outback town, known for its unbearable heat in summer and spectacular Sturt National Park on its doorstep. A nostalgic place for me as my Mum owned and operated the local Pub for a time. I’ve never been a city girl. I grew up in rural areas when I was a child and went on to marry a farmer and together we raised our families in Yarrawonga. I adore this town, our country life and its endless inspiration, which is evident in my work.