Connecticut based illustrator and fine artist, Laura Byrne has displayed a love for art since she was a little girl. She became serious about drawing and painting as a teenager and went on to study illustration at the University of Connecticut, where she received a BFA in 2010. She has been working as an illustrator since graduating, creating products featuring her adorable animal illustrations. You can find her selling products and original art at local craft fairs and on Etsy. She also currently works at a local newspaper as a graphic designer. Laura has also had the pleasure of illustrating a couple of children’s books for local authors.
Laura has displayed her fine art in CT exhibitions since 2014. These include the Milford Arts Council exhibitions, New Haven Paint and Clay Club juried and member exhibitions, Guilford Art League Annual Juried Exhibition, and Hamden Art League's Goldenbells and Silverbells exhibitions. She has been a member of the New Haven Paint and Clay Club since 2019. Awards and recognition include the James Jafferis Prize(2014), E.H. Scott Art & Design Award(2009), National Society of Collegiate Scholars(2008).
Laura draws her inspiration from her love of animals and wildlife, the primary subject matter in both her fine art and children's illustrations. When not working in her Milford, CT home studio, she enjoys hiking and visiting local farms, taking pictures of animals and watching how they interact with one another. Her illustrations aim to capture the sweetness and silliness of the wildlife she observes.
Social media has also had an influence on her work. Being able to view the work and processes of artists from all over the world has helped Laura hone in on her own techniques. She has always loved working in watercolor and layering on top of it with colored pencil. She recently began layering soft pastels over watercolor and fell in love with this process. This technique creates a soft texture and enhances the colors of the piece. It compliments her subject matter well, creating a sense of joy and liveliness. With both her fine art and children's illustrations, Laura hopes to instill a sense of delight in the viewer and to put a smile on faces of both children and adults alike.