LAURA MIDDLETON | PROCESS

“Painting allows me to access that “other”. To reach beyond the visible, and capture an essence of being open to something greater than we can fully understand.”

Laura's painting process is defined by a layered approach that balances structure and spontaneity. She begins by preparing the canvas with gesso, creating a textured surface, and then uses charcoal and ink to establish the composition and tonal values. The foundation Laura builds in the conception of a painting anchors the more fluid and abstract elements that follow.

Her underpainting, often done with vibrant inks, introduces saturated colours that subtly shine through the final layers. This stage is experimental and intuitive, with Laura embracing the unpredictable movement of the ink. Her focus is on capturing the complexity of water—its layers of light, shape, and energy.

Laura works on multiple pieces simultaneously, allowing the oil paint to dry between layers. This method enables her to maintain momentum and refine each work over time. Her process often begins with gestural watercolour sketches, keeping the vitality of the landscape alive as she transitions to larger paintings. Ultimately, her work seeks to evoke the feeling of being in a particular place, capturing its atmosphere and the ever-changing interplay of light and form.

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