My name is Laura Doherty. Originally from Lancashire, north west of England, I am now a First Class Honours graduate based in London. My focus resides with oil paintings and detailed graphite drawings. I have worked as a mural artist for schools, cafes and businesses providing insight to my range of skills. There is a strong theoretical undertone to my commissions, creating a diverse discussion about the role of painted portraits in the art world. My art attempts to break down the boundaries of what correct representation of the portrait really is, exploring ever-changing fine art possibilities for my clients.
My practice primarily focuses the deliberation of oil paint in visual culture. It is one of the oldest mediums to be used in artistry, and without doubt the most flexible and forgiving. A reflection of personal intimacy is often conveyed through my works, with the personality of the client’s landscape, portrait or pet conveyed clearly through the canvas. Art history plays a crucial role in my works, acting as a foundation and catalyst for me to redesign my commissions creating flexibility for clients seeking specific requirements. Spatially speaking, my works can juxtapose in size with the sentiment of private intimacy, or in contrast to this providing a large display for a domestic atmosphere.
On pastel paper with a textured finish set with fixing spray – Works well with Pets, portraits, homes, landscapes, nature and customised designs.
Oil paint usually reserved for momentous portraits or commissions sent from reference. Oil paint is a diverse medium but has a shiny and blurred rich finish, usually perfect for dog portraits, family portraits, and landscapes.
Acrylic usually reserved for more colourful designs and commissions, usually quite abstract and modern, less reserved than oil paint and quite thick, bright and shiny in texture. Best performs with abstract designs, nature and flowers and colourful less detailed commissions.
The Lewis Prize for the Arts and the Claude Brun Prize for a promising young artist at Blackburn Museum
First prize in a poster design campaign for London advertising agency Spinnaker securing £1000 for school art department improvements.
The Award for excellence in Art and Catering as well the A level Art & Design and Fine Art award at Haslingden Sixth Form’s A-Levels awards evening
First class Honours at University of the Arts London
