Where were you born?
I was born in Royal Oak, Michigan and grew up in Novi and Northville, Michigan.
What are your earliest memories of being involved making art or wanting to be an artist?
My mother is also an artist, and I remember always being surrounded by art supplies and doing all sorts of crafts with her. I've always been fascinated at my mother's artistic abilities, and wanted to grow up to be just like her.
One memory I have involving art, was when I was 4 years old. My mother went to lay down to take a short nap and while she slept I took a bright, red permanent marker and drew all over our white walls. I then signed the masterpiece 'Heath' for my sister Heather, as I didn't want to get in trouble. Needless to say my mother was beside herself, but in the end I was given wallpaper I could color in for my room, and my parents had to paint
all of the walls brick red to cover the marker.
What is your artistic background /schooling?
I could always draw from a very early age, in fact, I remember having a Thanksgiving drawing of mine in Kindergarten published on the front page of our local newspaper. I was always in art classes throughout my schooling and took a few private lessons. I was accepted to the Massachusetts College of Art & Design in Boston, but decided to go into teaching instead.
What inspires you most as your subject matter?
I am really inspired by a number of artists such as Karin Jurick and Chris Stott. I love Jurick's style, it's kind of a mix of realism and impressionism, and I love the vintage still lifes that Stott paints. I still feel that I am trying to discover my own 'niche' as they call it, but I suppose I have become known mainly for my pet portraits, still life paintings, and my Master studies. I love doing Master studies because I not only enjoy looking at such incredible work, but I've learned a great deal by studying such greats as William Bouguereau and Mary Cassatt, among others.
Tell us a little about your family and where you live
I was married in 2006 to a wonderful Australian man, and moved to Cairns, Australia in August of that year. We later moved to Sydney and now are back in my home state of Michigan. No one here in Michigan can understand why we would leave the beauty of Australia for the cold winters of Michigan, but we plan to have children soon and I could not imagine having children without my mother nearby.
What are some of your favorite things or things that are essential to your success/well-being as a person and artist?
Well, first of all, I believe God has given me this talent and I need to always be thankful for such a gift. Taking time to remember Him is definitely important to me. I pray daily and believe He guides my life and my career. The blogging community and loyal customers have been important to my life and career as well. Their encouragement and inspiration really brighten my day and keep me focused on reaching my goals in life! I am also very thankful to several fellow artists who have offered their support and advice along the way, as well as family and friends. I think a lot of times an artist's success is about making a connection, and I hope I do that not only through my work, but on a personal level as well. Art, to me, is sharing a little piece of yourself...it's not just about paint on a canvas.
Where would you live if you could live anywhere?
To be totally honest I probably would live on the Central Coast back in Australia, but that would only work if we had a private jet to fly back to the States 2-3 times a year!
What are the most challenging things for you about being an artist?
My biggest challenge by far is learning how to loosen up a bit and paint faster, smarter I suppose. My goal is to paint like Karin Jurick someday, yet maintain my own sense of who I am as a painter. I love how her work is realistic looking but with a very painterly feel to it. Her strokes seem much more fluid and her color choice is spot on. I often wonder where I'd be today had I gone to art school...but at the same time, I'd never take back the 6 years I was a teacher. I think the best thing I can do is just continue to paint, the sheer practice of it truly has refined my skills, and I look forward to where this new chapter of my life will take me.
Thanks so much to Lara for sharing more about herself and her work with us!
Check out her website
here.
Is this not the coolest setting for a festive evening dinner party? I love it. Hope everyone has a great weekend!
I couldn't resist sharing this recent photo of my 5 year old nephew, Sam, in one of his many dress-up modes. He put this look together completely on his own, ala' Sherlock Holmes. I love his creativity!
I have now added 2 new sets of notecards to my Etsy store. Both feature my Blue and White Ginger Jar painting on 8 cards/envelopes. There are the bordered, folded note cards (above) and the flat scalloped note cards below.
Both make great hostess gifts or, even thinking ahead, stocking stuffers! You can find them here. 
I HAVE SOME BANANAS TODAY!
My beloved Grandpa
Me, Grandpa and Grandma
Tiled Moroccan fountain (photo - Anne Harwell)
If you haven't checked it out already, you need to read blogging buddy Buzz Kaplan's new interview with celebrated designer Suzanne Kasler. In addition to his weekly column on antiques, Decorati is now also featuring his weekly interviews with top designers. You won't want to miss this series!!
Where were you born?
A grouping of Laura's colorful and whimsical paintings.
Click here to enter a give-away on the Brighter Side Project from Paper Pastries! Entries must be received before September 8th.
I found this Blythe photo by Rebecca Berger on her Flickr site and it "spoke to me" as they say. Hope to get in a little of this over the weekend. How about you? Any plans? Whatever you are up to, I hope you have a refreshing 2 days off!.gif){kind=logo}
I don't know about you, but I think this bird cage chandelier at Clayton Gray Home is so chic. Chic in the "I ditched builder-grade or typical chain home store generic choices - in favor of something more unique and creative" kind of way. The kind of thing you'd find at a chic little boutique or antique store somewhere far away from a mall. I totally love it! A mini little art installation on its own.....
Congratulations to Annechovie sponsor Wendy Garraty and Clayton Gray Home on the opening of her new bricks-and-mortar store in Tampa. She also has many new items online, as well as a SALE! Don't forget, she ALWAYS offers free shipping as well. Now that's hard to beat!
New "Anna Spiro's Chair" scalloped note cards, as well as chair prints, are available now in my Etsy shop!
The first time I saw this chair in Anna's home, I was smitten.......
I had to paint it - and I did. I sent it to Anna and she was kind enough to post on it yesterday, along with photos of it on some more beautiful upholstered pieces in her shop. I adore Anna's bright, cheerful style and celebration of color. She is definitely one of those "kindred spirits" you meet in life and, more specifically, through blogging. Thank you, Anna!! 
When I was kid, the back to school season brought mixed reviews for me. I was excited about catching up with friends and getting some new shoes, clothes and notebooks. Remember those "TrapperKeepers"? I was always obsessed with school and office supplies and one of my favorite childhood acquisitions was a mini red swingline stapler - go figure. Despite the "newness" of an impending school year, a large part of me hated to say goodbye to carefree Summer and the homework-less zone. The gracious and uber-creative Kate van Geldern over at DomestiKated Life has been featuring some fun fantasy back-to-school lists by bloggers lately and you can check out mine here if you're curious (or bored!).
Paper Pastries is a Los Angeles-based stationery company that I recently read about on Beach Bungalow 8. Owner/Artist/Blogger Margaret Haas creates some very cool vintage inspired designs, such as the typewriter above.
I was left awe-struck by her lovely calligraphy - she will custom design a handwritten invitation just for you! I love the pairing of hand calligraphy with blue ink on this pink-y floral envelope.
This camera is just one of several designs included in her "Classic Cameras" stationery set available in her Etsy shop. I loved it! Also, don't forget to visit Margaret's blog, too.
Me - your tour guide!
