Skip to navigation | Skip to content

Share your knowledge. Make a difference.

The Starving Acrylic Artist

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic (by 35 people)   Your rating: 1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic

Ranked #323 in Arts , #6603 overall

Donates to Humane Society of the United States

Rated G. (Control what you see)

Artist Statement

 

When you are born an artist, throughout all your life's journey, the world becomes a canvas. Whether outside or on the couch or reading a good book, I am always thinking about capturing the moment with paint. In all my pieces I try to capture the soul of my subjects. All art has meaning. All is creative and comes from the mind. Art is Power....

About the Artist 

AddThis Social Bookmark Button


A LITTLE ABOUT THE ARTIST
Born in New Jersey, Laura is a self-representing Artist with 20 years experience painting animals and subjects of fantasy. She is best known for her Animal Portraits, Surreal Representations, New Wave Digital Art and Colorful Abstracts. Her creations have been described as "Open Minded, Alive and Inventive." She has an amazing capacity to create original works of art in a range of different styles. Being a self-taught artist, Laura's influence has been inspired by nature, her love for animals, urban environments and fantastical thoughts from her mind. Often, people say that she has a natural ability to capture an animal's soul. Many who have ordered pet portraits have said that their pets seem to be looking at them. Realistic and Beautiful, Laura's animals are amongst the best to be captured in paint. Her abstracts and surreal artworks speak for themselves.

Styles of ART Poll Module 

Loading poll. Please Wait...

New Original Paintings Each Month-Only Available Here: http://www.absolutearts.com/laurabarbosa

The Most Important Thing For Artists To Remember

No Matter what Happens.

NEVER GIVE UP ON YOUR ART OR YOURSELF!

My Favorite Artist: Hieronymus Bosch 

Hieronymus Bosch (, Dutch , born Jeroen Anthonissen van Aken c. 1450 - August 9, 1516) was an Early Netherlandish painter of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The artist's work is well-known for the use of fantastic imagery to illustrate moral and religious concepts and narratives.Catherine B. Scallen, The Art of the Northern Renaissance (Chantilly: The Teaching Company, 2007) Lecture 26.

"ALL ARTISTS have to stick together. Keep your prices HIGH! Your art is an Original Creation!"

My Second Favorite Artist: Pablo Picasso 

Pablo Diego José Francisco de Paula Juan Nepomuceno María de los Remedios Cipriano de la Santísima Trinidad Martyr Patricio Clito Ruíz y Picasso (October 25, 1881 - April 8, 1973) was an Andalusian-Spanish painter, draughtsman, and sculptor. As one of the most recognized figures in twentieth-century art, he is best known for co-founding the Cubist movement and for the wide variety of styles embodied in his work. Among his most famous works are the proto-Cubist Les Demoiselles dAvignon (1907) and his depiction of the German bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, Guernica'' (1937).

Digital Artworks 

These Creations were made into Prints, Posters and Cutting Boards

Browse This Art on Unique Cutting Boards

POSTERS and PRINTS

ARTIST CARDS 

Unique Greeting Card Packs created from Original Works of Art

Greeting cards are for more than holidays; they are a great way to express yourself and to keep in touch with friends and family. A personal note on a beautiful card will make a lasting impression and a touching keepsake. Available in your choice of paper stock High quality, chlorine and acid free matte paper consisting of 30% post consumer waste and 50% total recycled fiber.

Twelve point, one-sided glossy paper

Full color/full bleed

Ten cards per package/envelopes included
Powered by CafePress

The Starving Artist - New Artist Jobs 

Find an ART job in South Jersey

It's a tough world out there especially for Starving Artists! Here is a module that might help you find a job in the Art Industry, if you live in New Jersey.

CGI Artist
Esprit Media Services, Inc. - Fairfield, NJ
Esprit Media is looking for Automotive CGI artists to support its client’s world-class media design studio working at the cutting edge of 3D Computer Generated... ...
3D Computer Graphic Artist
Snelling Information Systems - Parsippany, NJ
services and architectural graphics dedicated to producing state-of-the-art, virtual environments and communication solutions. Successful candidates for this... ...
Art Director
Advantage Business Media - Rockaway, NJ
Responsibilities: The Art Director will work on... for conception, design, production and supervision of art for editorial pages of two magazines, including... ...
Experienced Designer/Freelance Art Director
Robert Half International - Green Brook, NJ
Experienced Designer/Freelance Art Director We have a unique opportunity for an experienced Art Director with a passion for creating compelling and satisfying... ...
Director of the Art Museum
Princeton University - Princeton, NJ
of the Art Museum Job ID: 0800287 Standard Hours: 36.25 Grade: ADM 110 Department: Art Museum... a broad knowledge of art and art history coupled with... ...
See more results

Powered by Indeed

ARTIST TOOLS 

Basic and Necessary Art Tools for Acrylic Artists

Winsor Newton Artists Oil Brush- Bright Size #8

Winsor Newton Artists Oil Brush- Bright Size #8

Winsor & Newton Artists Oil Brushes- BrightsTh more...1 point

18

18" x 24" Winsor & Newton Stretched Canvas 6 Pack

We have tried many brands of prestretched canvas; more...1 point

COTTON CANVAS 12 x 12 6/BX

COTTON CANVAS 12 x 12 6/BX

ALVIN Stretched CanvasFinest quality, non-bleached more...0 points

1 more products: See all

Here's my favorite link:

Artist Help Network

ARTIST BOXES 

Unique Gift Ideas created from Original Works of Art

Perfect for stylishly storing jewelry and mementos, this hardwood box showcases a ceramic tile. Spring-loaded hinged lid stays open without tipping the box over and snaps closed securely.

Made of solid hardwood with high-gloss lacquer finish
Interior is fully lined in velvet; bottom is covered with felt
Measures 5.5" x 5.5" x 2.25" with a 4.25" x 4.25" ceramic tile

Fairy Keepsake Box

Keepsake Box

Price: 28.99

Buy Now

MUSICAL EARTH Keepsake Box

Keepsake Box

Price: 28.99

Buy Now

FISH Keepsake Box

Keepsake Box

Price: 28.99

Buy Now

WILD HORSES Keepsake Box

Keepsake Box

Price: 28.99

Buy Now

JAVA MAN Keepsake Box

Keepsake Box

Price: 28.99

Buy Now

Powered by CafePress

Original Acrylic Paintings 

Below are a few of my Dog Portraits and Whimsical Dog Art Paintings on Canvas

Browse This Art on Unique Cutting Boards

POSTERS and PRINTS

Best of Famous Artist Quotes 

Add your own!

Who is your favorite Artist and what have they said that makes you think, paint or admire them for? Add your own "Famous Artist Quotes" to this plexo and paste it on your lens. Pass around the knowledge!

Picasso Quote #1

Art is never chaste. It ought to be forbidden to i more...0 points

Picasso Quote #2

Painting is stronger than me, it makes me do its b more...0 points

Picasso Quote #3

Success is dangerous. One begins to copy oneself, more...0 points

Picasso Quote #4

I don't say everything, but I paint everything.0 points

0 points

ARTIST JOURNALS 

Unique Gift Ideas created from Original Works of Art

Scribble important stuff - lyrics, recipes, addresses, and more. Our Wire-O bound, 160 page journal is unlined and measures 5" x 8", a handy on-the-go size to fit in your backpack.Go creative and let the muse flow.

CITY PEOPLE Journal

Journal

Price: 14.99

Buy Now

WILD HORSES Journal

Journal

Price: 14.99

Buy Now

JAVA WOMAN Journal

Journal

Price: 14.99

Buy Now

MODERN CARP Journal

Journal

Price: 14.99

Buy Now

TROPICAL PARADISE Journal

Journal

Price: 14.99

Buy Now

Powered by CafePress

Magazines and Newspapers for Artists 

There was an error connecting to the Amazon web service. Please try again. Sorry, there are no results available from Amazon.

ARTIST PILLOWS 

Unique Gift Ideas created from Original Works of Art

Add stylish fun to any room with our roomy Throw Pillow. It measures a sprawling 18" X 18" with an 11" X 11" image area so you can lounge in comfort. It's made of ultra-soft brushed twill with a sturdy canvas image area. Removable zippered cover for easy laundering.

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Throw Pillow

Throw Pillow

Price: 22.99

Buy Now

ANCIENT TRIBE Throw Pillow

Throw Pillow

Price: 22.99

Buy Now

MODERN CARP Throw Pillow

Throw Pillow

Price: 22.99

Buy Now

DARK ANGEL Throw Pillow

Throw Pillow

Price: 22.99

Buy Now

CITY LIFE Throw Pillow

Throw Pillow

Price: 22.99

Buy Now

Powered by CafePress

Learn More About the GREAT Masters 

Excellent books for Artists and Art Lovers

Pablo Picasso: Breaking All the Rules: Breaking All the Rules (Smart About Art)

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $5.99 (as of 10/12/2008)
List Price: $5.99
Used Price: $3.09

Usually ships in 24 hours

Hieronymus Bosch

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: (as of 10/12/2008)
List Price: $150.00
Used Price:

The Philosophy of Andy Warhol : (From A to B and Back Again)

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $11.20 (as of 10/12/2008)
List Price: $14.00
Used Price: $6.00

Usually ships in 24 hours

Leonardo's Notebooks

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $26.40 (as of 10/12/2008)
List Price: $40.00
Used Price: $13.98

Usually ships in 24 hours

Abstract Artworks 

These Creations were made into Prints, Posters and Cutting Boards

Browse This Art on Unique Cutting Boards

POSTERS and PRINTS

"Art Blog" 

new content monthly

Check out the art blog for new works each month and leave a comment, if you like, with your link if you are an artist or just someone who loves art. CHEERS

Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

2008 Digital Art Prints...Only Available at: http://artprints.imagekind.com

Artist Feedback Bulletin Board 

Are you a Starving Artist? Do you have a story about Art that you would like to share? Post it Here!

We would love to read anything pertaining to Art and Being an Artist. If you have any ART "Words of Wisdom" or maybe a quick word on how you got started as an Artist, that would be great. Enjoy!

dustytoes

Laura, I just want to say that your art is beautiful and this lens shows it off so well. I enjoyed browsing around here! ~pam

Posted October 11, 2008

cannedguds

I really love your beautiful works of art! Hope I can get to see some more of them! Thanks for sharing this lens to us! Hope you can also find the the time to read some of my lenses and two of them are about interesting and uniquely-designed personalized checks from College checks to dog checks, John Deere checks and even Photo checks where you can put your own photos of your choice! You can even put some of your works on them! Have a nice day!

Posted September 29, 2008

Barkely

Simply beautiful work. Angel ups, because some things just have to get noticed:)

Posted August 29, 2008

jeffwend

Wow, the artwork featured here is truly breathtaking. I love the polaroid with the exotic seafood towards the top of this lens. Semper Fi let me know abou this lens too and I am grateful for the tip. 5* and another squid angel blessing.

Posted August 29, 2008

DutchBlogger

Hi Laura, What a great lens and talent! I'm not really into art, but this is very beautiful :-)

I actually came across your lens thanks to Colleen (see the next comment below), but I'm glad she showed to me/us :-P

Anyway, definitely worth the 5 stars and a BIG thumbs up! Thanks for sharing.
Robert
The Powerball Gyroscope

Posted August 28, 2008

 
1 of 8 pages

Artist T-Shirts 

I designed this for myself

I cannot tell you how many times this design got me out of a Jam. Perfect for those dinners you just do not want to dress up for!!! Comes in all sizes and colors...

Visit the store

Powered by CafePress

Artist Interview 2008 

This Interview was Given By Elizabeth Edwards

1. When did you first become interested in art?
My interest in art began as a child. I was born with a love for animals and a passion for painting. Having come from a broken home and having a lot of free time at a young age, I developed my very own art skills through experimenting with crayons and finger paints. This eventually took me down the road of art and before I knew it, I was stopping at the art store on my way home from school and found myself buying new colored pencil packs and sketchbooks with my lunch money. My complete adoration and love for animals developed from my relationship that I had with our family dog. I was fascinated with his running speed and found enjoyment in his facial expressions and funny antics. I believe these experiences molded me in the direction of animals and a true love for painting them. My art grew more and more with each passing day. In high School my favorite pastime was doodling and eventually I doodled my way into an art class and made some friends too. I started a home business when I was 16 which was all about capturing people's favorite photos onto sweatshirts and sold them at a fair price to many students and their family members. I was making a decent living at a young age with nothing more than a few bottles of fabric paint an airbrush and a pack of generic sweatshirts. My dream ended when I had included an older woman who was in her thirties that saw the money making idea and wanted it for herself. I was very naive and did not see her as anything more than a nice person who loved my art. She made her way into my home and offered me a deal. The deal was that I painted the scenes and animals onto the sweatshirts and she would add sparkling decorations onto the artwork and we would split the profits and sell them together. Well, one day I left her alone in my work room and she had left with all my supplies. Later, I heard from the grapevine that this woman was selling my designs. I never knew what became of her after that, but she stole the very essence of my existence and left me discouraged, frustrated and without enough money to buy more supplies. That was the end of my teenage art business or so I thought%u2026..

2. What style of art do you do and What made you choose the style of art you use most?
I have been called a student of many styles but my main focus is realistic interpretations of animals in a surreal environment. I hope to present a fresh view of animals to the public eye with a twist, if you will. I am also very interested in colorful abstracts and modern representations of today's society and the idea of different cultures and the way technology relates to our future. My life's experiences had a big influence on my many styles and I have become a slave to the direction my artwork is predestined to become.

3. Has your style changed from when you first began as an artist?
Yes, as I accomplish more pieces, I seem to grow as an artist in such a way that it is transparent in my works. The traits and techniques I developed as a child actually create the anchor that my creativity rests upon today. It seems that each year I grow as an artist and become more free with my ideas and techniques. My 2008 collection is what I call my growth spurt.

4. What medium do you use?
My medium is acrylics. I use soft body paints and am developing a style of new corporate art for my 2008 collection which includes heavy body acrylics and the use of metallic's in my pieces as well. These artworks will be available to the public in the near future.

5 What made you choose that medium?
I chose Acrylics through a process of trial and error with other mediums over the years such as oils, pastels, watercolor, colored pencils ( which I still use today) and airbrushing. Acrylics are my favorite because I have learned to work with them and they are easy to use, easy to clean and I absolutely love the color choices!

6. Do your ideas come from life or imagination?
My ideas come from BOTH imagination and life. If I am working on a commissioned animal portrait, I will incorporate my creative thoughts into my artwork while keeping the subject as my first priority.

7. How do you choose your images and colors?
If I have to choose my subjects, I will work from excellent quality photographs. If I am doing abstract work, there are no choices but rather fantastical thoughts from my mind which are free flowing and spur the moment of creation with a choice for color that is almost subconscious. For my commissioned portraits, I think and choose my colors very carefully and mix each color as the painting is taking on a life of its own and eventually I wind up with a piece of art that consists of thousands if not millions of color variations not visible to the naked eye unless pondered upon by the viewer. When mixing color, portraits are formed and shading and light seem to happen naturally creating the illusion of a dimensional picture on a flat canvas.

8. Who is your favorite Artist?
My favorite artist is Picasso because he speaks freedom to my soul and also gives the impression of expertise and knowledge of his craft. He is remarkable and timeless and is also known as a great business man in which I truly admire.

9. What is your favorite piece of work by yourself? (Attached)
In 2007 my favorite piece was the "End of the Ages". This piece was created in acrylics and was a free flowing thought from my mind which told a story about life and was very enjoyable to create. I am sure I will have a new favorite for 2008.

10. Have you had exhibits in galleries?
Yes, In 2007 I was invited to a March Madness gallery show in Asbury Park, NJ sponsored by the Splash Contemporary Gallery. I also attend Art Festivals each year and Juried Competitions in my area. I will only show my work in reputable galleries and deal with reputable gallery dealers and curators. I am knowledgeable about the art world and am wise to scams and vanity galleries%u2026I find that my self representation is all I need to promote my work and word of mouth is my greatest asset. My newspaper articles have launched my commissioned portraits. Check me out in 2008..I have many press releases coming out in NYC newspapers, New Jersey Radio Shows and Television. Many new pieces including a major fundraiser project will be featured in various online newsletters as well.

11. Have you any exhibits in galleries planned for the future?
I am researching reputable Galleries who are well known for promoting artists and have the ability to do so. I am still in the process of choosing who I would like to go with. I will let you know shortly.

12. What are your plans for the future?
I feel that at the age of forty, I have the world at my feet and many opportunities waiting to come to fruition.
I have so many things going on right now and future artwork that will be on display at important events and locations. I feel like I have just jumped on the ride of my life and that 2008 is the year for my career as an artist to make a huge leap forward. My accomplishments this year already have been great. The Community Medical Center in Toms River New Jersey, USA, has just purchased my Three Therapy Dog Paintings valued at 2500 a piece and will be putting them on permanent display in their facility starting April of 2008. This was a fundraiser project to raise money for a local therapy dog organization . Created in acrylics and finished with Satin Varnish each Measuring 48" wide x 24" high. There are three paintings that make up this collection of "Bright and Beautiful". They represent 12 working Therapy Dogs whom are members of the Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog Organization in Morris Plans NJ. The Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that evaluates, tests, trains, qualifies and assists therapy dog/handler teams in order to provide loving, nurturing and empathic visitation in nursing homes, hospitals, psychiatric facilities, senior residences, schools, private homes, and other locations where emotional service dogs are indispensable. All proceeds from the sales of the originals will go to the Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog Organization. This event will have future radio and television broadcasts and many press releases.

My next project is a wonderful idea created by other artists and groups of influential and caring people to help horses through art. It is what is known as a mosaic mural in which is an artist collaborative consisting of about 150 artists who specialize in horses. Each Artist is given a panel or two approximately 8 x 11 and is asked to create a piece of art that represents the glory of horses. http://www.gloryofhorses.com When it is finished and the puzzle pieces are assembled it will make one image. This is a big event that will actually be traveling throughout the USA, EUROPE and CANADA. It is very exciting%u2026We already are scheduled to appear at the Wisconsin Horse Fair and at the 2008 Kentucky Derby. As the mural travels more places are added along the way. I am so happy to be a part of this project!

Other than that I am trying to finish my website which will have many originals available for public purchase and a new section dealing with corporate art and art specifically designed for businesses. I really want to develop a following with my abstractions and take a more modern approach to sales. I am always on the lookout for juried competitions and will be looking for future gallery representation and new avenues to showcase my artwork!


Continued

The Artists' Blackbox

Someone asked me this question:
Why would YOU be stressed out?
I answered, Because when you are
an Artist, you have deadlines,
commissions and you also have
to market yourself, etc....
Someone then replied:
BUT, You don't have a job,
Your JUST AN ARTIST!

Links to Online Shops by the Artist 

Shop for Unique Art Gifts

Below are links to my Online Stores and Art Gallery. Find and Buy Unique Artistic Gifts Created from My Original Artworks and Graphic Designs. Don't forget to check out My New Artboard store for One Of A Kind Cutting Boards, Serving Trays, Bread Boards....

#1

Online Dog Art Gallery - POSTERS and PRINTS

Original ARTWORKS. Dog Portraits and Dog Paintings by Emerging Artist: Laura Barbosa. A Must See Gallery for Dog Lovers and Art Enthusiasts. Commissio...1 point

#2

Gift-Shop-Dogs: Custom Pet Photo Gifts and More!

We specialize in custom pet gifts produced from original graphic designs for pet professionals, veterinarians, dog trainers and more. Browse our Origi...1 point

#3

Only Originals - Unique Gift Ideas - Large Store

Super Large Gift Shop filled with Orignal T-Shirts, Tile Boxes, Doggie Tees,Pillows, Mugs and More!1 point

#4

The Animal Stop- Shelter Pets, Dolphins, Bulldogs and More!

We sell Pet Gifts, such as: Dolphins, NEW Dolphin T-Shirts, Peace Signs, Hero Tees, Funny Animals, Pet Sitters, Chihuahuas and Unique Gifts or Animal...1 point

#5

ArtBoard - Printfection.com

We've got Unique-large glass cutting boards. Use Them as hot plates, serving trays, cheese boards, bread boards, or place mats.1 point

12 more links: See all