Artist profile
Lauren
Esplin
Acclaimed painter Lauren Esplin says she feels most herself with her feet sunk deeply into the sand, cool sea on her skin, and taste of salt on her lips. This evocative description lends itself to the stunning works she creates, the viewer instantly transported to the distinct beauty and raw-edged power of the Australian coastline.
Beach Culture is deeply entrenched in human nature and Lauren’s contemporary paintings combine abstracted coastal landscapes featuring emotive markings with detailed figures that echo the familiar. This intriguing juxtaposition is a signature of the artist’s style, drawing the viewer effortlessly into the paintings, wrapping them in innate understanding.
The merging of impressionist, abstract and figurative styles form a response to the landscape that connects deeply to the human psyche. Sandstone pinks, dove greys, verdigris, teal and turquoise form a soft background, while the colour of hot sun on sea-splashed skin finely realised in perfectly created human form is the active subject of each work.
Career Highlights
- Artist in residence at Artifex Interiors
- Our Gallery Milton Solo Exhibition October '25 & Group Exhibition November '24
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
I use acrylic paint on canvas. The fast drying nature of the acrylic paint means that I can freely create my abstracted and impressionistic coastal landscapes with feeling and fluidity.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
I spend a lot of time in nature, especially on the coast. I use this time to recenter myself, connect with the environment, and observe others. Many of my ideas for paintings are seeded at this point. I take many photos which I use as inspiration. Typically, when I get back to the studio, I will experiment with colour combinations and mark making on paper. I will then create the landscape using emotive free brushstrokes which represent my response to the landscape which is juxtaposed by the finer detail of the figures I later overlay.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
My studio is located on Sydney's Northern Beaches and has a bright coastal feel. The space has two large French doors on either end and two smaller windows running down one side, letting in lots of ambient light. I have painted swimming girls on the side windows creating a contemporary lead light feel. The space mimics the coast with a textured sand look floor. Along the only wall without windows are timber ledges for storing and displaying my works. There are two easels which are both used to create my larger works. I have a round floor cushion I use to kneel on when I paint the figures. Mostly, I paint the landscapes standing and the finer detail seated. Amongst the paints and jars of brushes, you will often find a tea cup and a set of headphones, as I like to listen to music when I paint.
