LaurevaM: Gifted Artist

At the age of two Laurie was stricken with Polio which was making the rounds that year. At the age of four the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles scooped her up, kept her as an inpatient/outpatient for ten years, finally releasing her when she was fourteen, saying there was no more they could do for her.During that ten-year period she experienced numerous orthopedic surgeries, including those on her right leg which was shortened to match the atrophied left limb. At various times she also wore casts, splints, leg braces, back braces, etc., and attended the in-house school when hospitalized.

During periods of rehab after surgeries she attended the school for handicapped children located in downtown Los Angeles. Though she still suffered from residual effects of childhood Polio, she married, raised a family, enjoyed a successful career as a graphic artist specializing in designing technical forms, including complex business forms, brochures, and advertising material for major corporations. After retirement she pursued the types of art that she'd always wanted to explore.

She attended college, and earned a Bachelor's degree at age 66. She has been studying and producing all kinds of art ever since! Her emphasis has been creating art and donating it to nonprofits. Reflecting on her childhood challenges, she feels she also received many blessings and now finds it especially rewarding to give back to those who are experiencing similar circumstances.

For the past several years Post Polio has come into her life, forcing her into a wheelchair 24/7. Because she can no longer use an easel, most of her work is done across her lap. In 2008 she painted an 18"x24" canvas, holding it with one hand, painting with the other. She enjoys experimenting with mixed media, oils, acrylics, oil pastels, watercolor, and drawing, and finds painting therapeutic. Laurie says that there is nothing she likes better than entering into another "zone" through creativity. She adds that her only wish is that her artwork will bring hope and joy into the lives of others.

Expressive dog portrait by Laurie Mitchell features Charlie and his ball on a blue blanket. Gentle mixed media pastel and brushwork and warm/cool color harmonies are balanced by crisp details on the ball, collar, and face. According to family legend, Charlie is a six-year-old Golden Retreiver with an I.Q. of over 300! :-) When he goes fishing with his owner Mike, Charlie is the designated "spotter." If he sees a school of fish he turns around with a big grin as if to say, "Hey, Mike, there they are!" 100% of artist's share of proceeds from sale of this product go to support Humane Societies and the RainingCatsnDogs Rescue Group.