Merging the vibrancy of landscapes of the American West with old world European elegance, Laurel Astor's works evoke an experience of times when life was less complicated. With images such as pomegranates on a shelf, eggs in a blue bowl, a simple teapot on a white tablecloth, and a single pear, Astor's classical still lifes recall French country kitchens. Her aspens in autumn, sunsets over the Gre
...see more »at Salt Lake, and vivid yet subtle desert hillsides all show a more impressionistic style of landscape artistry. Laurel had a peak moment of realization in a Telluride art gallery, understanding that she could make a living doing something she loved. A self-taught artist, she then started working as an artist in 2003, focusing in watercolors until a pastel workshop taught by Karen Thorsen introduced her to a new medium. Working in pastels exclusively since then, Laurel Astor has evolved rapidly as an artist. Astor's work was exhibited in a Snowbird art gallery, and in 2005 was accepted into two major juried art festivals. She received the top Merit Award at her first outdoor art competition, the Escalante Plein Aire event. Working out of her home studio, she currently hosts pastel workshops, maintains a website and sells prints and cards in Boulder, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah.« see less
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