Between Us Portraits
is a 3-part experience...
...inspired by the life and loss of my own animal companion, a shelter rescue named Copper. As a teacher and painter, I understand that
there's more to love about our pets than their outward appearance.
"re-interviewing" clients Jillian and Rico on stage for the Momentum Artist's Immersion Program Final Showing, March 2018.
the interview
part
1
"Lauren is a great interviewer! In no time at all, I found myself giving voice to thoughts about my relationship with my pet cockatiel that I never even knew I had!"
-Rico
Soquel, CA
The interview begins the Between Us Portraits experience.
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With the human and, if possible, the animal client, we explore both simple everyday details and the deeper meanings and feelings evoked in your shared lives.
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Every interview is different. While there are a few core questions I ask every time ("What are some of your regular routines and activities? Do you have any nicknames for your pet?"), the interview becomes a conversation where I search and follow what you want to share about what's most meaningful to you.
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I love hearing these stories. The content of the interview provides the inspiration for the final portrait.
part
2
the painting
"I am continually astounded by Lauren's incredible artistic skills! ...while she is capable of rendering true-to-life likenesses, she also breathes life into her work that reveals her interpretive prowess."
-Karen
Santa Cruz, CA
A Between Us portrait includes a life-like representation of the human with his animal companion on an abstract background, inspired by our interview-conversation.
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When doing these portraits, I work equally from photo references and my own intuition.
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To develop the composition, I start with a few pencil sketches. The final piece is on acid-free watercolor paper, built up with layers of watercolor, acrylic, and metallic paint.
part
3
the statement
"Lauren is a profound wordsmith."
-Mark
Santa Cruz, CA
The final piece of a Between Us portrait is a written statement from me about the painting, describing my thought process and artistic decisions.
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It connects the content of the interview to the final portrait, expanding its symbolism and deepening its meaning.
