BIOGRAPHY Laura Levitsky is quickly gaining a solid reputation as a recommended emerging artist to watch. She is a nature artist, inspired by British Columbia’s landscape, wildlife and landmarks. There is a great amount of time and energy invested in each painting as Laura, in no way neglects the smallest of detail. Laura is an outdoor enthusiast, and never goes anywhere without her sketch book and camera equipment. Whether it’s the research of her subjects that take her on her outdoor excursions, or her outdoor excursions that take her to her subjects, Laura’s field studies allow her to recreate the natural settings of her subjects. Laura grew up in Saskatchewan and moved to British Columbia in 1989. Although she painted and sketched throughout her elementary and high school years, it wasn’t until the fall of 1999 that she took a career change and settled into her passion for painting. Laura began building a portfolio, becoming a self-published artist with Limited Edition Giclee Canvas Prints by 2003. Laura’s prints can be found in private collections across Canada and the United States. If you have any inquiries, you can email Laura at info@levitskyart.com or call 604-703-L ART.

ARTIST STATEMENT I have always had a love for art, and now that I look back at my childhood it was apparent I was on an artistic path even then. My mother and grandmother will still proudly tell the tale of the “perfect stickman” drawn every so carefully by a four year old in black crayon on the floor of the family room. Even my love for nature was very evident at a young age as I can remember sketching during family vacations, capturing the images of our travels. My nature walks and hikes are not as brisk as most might travel. I cannot help but gaze at every color, shape and texture that nature has on her ever-changing palette; mesmerized by the unspoiled beauty. It is obvious that capturing the realism of nature would be the focus of my work.

Art is where I go to explore and express. I get lost in it. It is the only thing I seem to have an infinite patience for as I can sit for hours and meticulously paint every hair of lichen growing on a tree. Each piece is experienced first with the exploration of my subjects, studying all the natural elements on almost a personal level. For me, it is important to paint the smallest of pixie-cup lichen or the damselfly resting on a blade of grass. It captures the whole story and essence of the subject and hopefully exposes it to the viewer as an important part of the whole picture, not just in the painting, but in nature itself. It is an awareness and appreciation of the world around us. It is with this challenge that I get satisfaction. For when a viewer appreciates how a leaf is curled, notices the pixie-cup lichen or catches sight of the damselfly, it is then that I realize I have successfully expressed a part of nature to them.

Capturing nature through art is a way to preserve it and pass it on to generations to come. “A beautiful thing never gives so much pain as does failing to see it.” (Michelangelo) Pause, and take a closer look.