Laura Mastenbrook
Fine artist practicing in Kalamazoo, Michigan
Soft Pastel
Other Mediums Include: Graphite - Charcoal - Colored Pencil - Printmedia
MY STORY
Welcome! I'm so pleased you are here to support my art. I'm a 19-year-old artist and I have spent many of those years filling my soul with creative practices. I adore painting with sticks comprised of light-reflecting, crystal pigment; my favorite medium, soft pastels. When I'm not painting, I'm spending time with my family, reading, exploring nature, or studying for school.
I'm currently a student in Western Michigan University's Art Education program. During my studies, I will be immersed in studios of varying mediums including photography, ceramics, sculpting, jewelry, printmaking, and painting.
INSPIRATION
My passion lies in the beauty and innocence of nature. Transcending and slowly evolving through time, nature has inspired artists throughout history.
The emotions, sunlight, and every mark of paint captured by the Impressionism era, is the style I adore.
Claude Monet's The Magpie, Van Gogh's Irises, and Renoir's Spring Bouquet, are my favorite paintings.
With a light touch of hand, beautiful colors, and golden frames, I pour my heart into every painting.
EXPERIENCE
Various commissions for soft pastel original paintings and pet portrait
Currently selling at Earthly Delights,
Downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan
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Richmond Center for Visual Arts Annual Student Juried Exhibition 2024
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Miniatures Exhibition 2024
Box Factory for the Arts, St. Joeseph, Michigan
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Annual Student Print-media Exhibition 2024
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan
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Admission into Student Archives Print-media 2024
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan
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Kalamazoo Art Hop Exhibition 2023
Downtown Kalamazoo, Michigan
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Portage Northern Small Business Fair 2022
Kalamazoo, Michigan
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Operated Poppy Creations 2020-2022
Kalamazoo, Michigan
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Poppy Creations Student Ambassadorship 2021
Kalamazoo, Michigan
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Craft Show for Poppy Creations 2021
Schoolcraft, Michigan
EDUCATION
Graduated Portage Northern 2022
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Western Michigan University (current)
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Magic Makers Soft Pastel Workshop December 2023- February 2024
Online Course, hosted by Valerie Mckeehan
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Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Pastel Class
Summer 2023
Kalamazoo, Michigan
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