Laura Jones · Light is Fugitive

'Banksia and Clematis Still Life' by Laura Jones, 2013, oil on linen, 135 x 115 cm.

'Peonies with Striped Cloth' by Laura Jones, 2013, oil on linen, 70 x 80 cm.

'Dogwood' by Laura Jones, 2013, oil on linen, 70 x 60 cm.

Details from the studio of Sydney artist Laura Jones. Photo - Carine Thevenau.

Sydney artist Laura Jones in her studio, wearing Dolce and Gabbana for this very floral shoot!  Photo - Carine Thevenau.

You may recall our affection for the beautiful work of Sydney artist Laura Jones, who we first introduced this time last year.  Laura's vibrant, unashamedly 'pretty' subject matter instantly won my heart (and many of yours!) - having trained and worked as a florist in a previous life, her latest paintings are inspired by flowers. Mid last year, Laura moved from central Sydney to a pretty little cottage in the NSW Southern Highlands - a brave move, which suits her to a T!  Having secured a small studio space in rural Robertson, and made friendly neighbours happy to share a few blooms from their colourful gardens (!) it seems Laura had no trouble settling in!  'It has been so much fun living in the highlands and working on painting full-time' she says. Laura's latest body of work, showing this month in an exhibition at Gallery Ecosse in Exeter, began a few months after the move.  Inspired by her new surroundings, Laura was keen to capture the unique light and distinct seasons here. 'I moved into my small studio in Robertson, and knew I wanted to make the most of the area' says Laura. 'I found a great cottage to live in with a beautiful, rambling garden, and so I began picking flowers from home and taking them to the studio. Then I noticed that there was an old garden right near my studio, that belongs to a lady named Pam, who didn't mind me picking from her garden at all!' Entitled 'Light is Fugitive', the show is named after a quote by Margaret Preston, one of Laura's favourite Australian still life painters.  After picking flowers locally and arranging them ready to paint, for this body of work Laura challenged herself to complete each work before the flowers wilted.  'Having worked in floristry in the past, I got used to the high turnover of flowers' she says. 'I like bringing that cycle into the studio, creating these works felt like I was chasing the flowers, and their light, so I loved that quote'. Light is Fugitive - new works by Laura Jones Open 8 February to 21 March 2014 Gallery Ecosse 'Halcyon' Exeter Road Exeter NSW Opening this Saturday 8 February, 4.00pm - 6.00pm.

Details from the studio of Sydney artist Laura Jones. Photo - Carine Thevenau.

'Artichoke and Leonotis' by Laura Jones, 2013, oil on linen, 135 x 115 cm.

'Mountain Laurel' by Laura Jones, 2013, oil on linen, 40 x 40 cm.

'Dahlias' by Laura Jones, 2014, oil on linen, 52 x 32 cm.