Nancy Staub Laughlin is an American pastel artist and photographer celebrated for her captivating use of color, light, and dimension. Holding a BFA from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, PA, Nancy has showcased her art at various galleries and museums along the east coast. An art critic and historian Sam Hunter described her creations as “refreshingly unique.” Her intricate compositions often blend reality with abstraction, inviting viewers to explore complex layers of visual storytelling. Nancy’s work offers a fresh perspective that feels both timeless and contemporary.
Exploring “Spring”
One of Nancy Staub Laughlin’s celebrated works is titled “Spring.” It’s a pastel on paper piece measuring 24 x 33 inches, incorporating both pastel and photographic elements. The artwork invites the viewer into a vivid exploration of light, color, and form. Nancy’s approach combines multiple creative steps, resulting in a dynamic composition that captures the transition from winter’s lingering chill to the bloom of spring.
Nancy’s technique merges the tactile richness of pastels with the photographic precision of captured moments. The result is a composition that feels both spontaneous and carefully crafted. “Spring” immerses the viewer in a space where light and color interplay, blending the fleeting nature of flurries with the bright, promising hues of blooming flowers.
The piece reflects Nancy’s ongoing exploration of visual dimension. There’s a palpable sense of movement, as if the viewer is witnessing nature’s gradual shift from dormancy to life. The juxtaposition of delicate pastel strokes with sharp photographic details challenges the eye to reconcile softness with clarity. This contrast amplifies the sense of transition, highlighting Nancy’s thoughtful approach to capturing change.
A Layered Creative Process
Nancy’s creative journey with “Spring” is marked by a series of deliberate steps. She often begins by conceptualizing the overall feel of the piece, drawing from her observations of nature. She then photographs elements that catch her eye, often focusing on light patterns, textures, or fleeting seasonal changes. These images become part of her visual vocabulary, informing her pastel compositions.
Next comes the blending of mediums. Nancy layers pastel strokes over photographic prints, carefully considering how color and line interact. This synthesis of texture and realism allows her to build dimension within the piece. The layering is neither haphazard nor overly structured, maintaining a fluidity that mirrors the unpredictability of nature.
What sets Nancy’s work apart is her commitment to depicting not just a scene but an experience. In “Spring,” she captures the contrast between the last whispers of winter and the burst of spring’s vitality. The combination of pale, cool tones with vibrant, warm colors mirrors the shifting atmosphere, reflecting both the chill of lingering snow and the vivid greens and pinks of blossoming life.
A Personal Connection to Nature
Nancy’s work consistently draws from her personal connection to the natural world. Growing up surrounded by the changing seasons, she developed an eye for subtle shifts in light and color. This awareness translates into her art, where each piece feels rooted in a lived experience rather than a purely imagined vision.
For Nancy, the process is as important as the final piece. She describes her work as a journey of discovery, where each mark and layer contributes to a deeper understanding of the subject. The blending of pastels and photographs in “Spring” reflects her willingness to experiment and her desire to break conventional boundaries.
Reflecting on Transition
The theme of transition is central to “Spring.” It’s a visual representation of how one season blends into another, capturing the push and pull between winter’s residue and spring’s new growth. The composition’s dynamic quality mirrors this duality, presenting the viewer with a layered narrative of change.
Nancy’s commitment to exploring light and color remains at the forefront. The piece doesn’t just depict a season; it embodies a transformation, drawing the viewer into a space where time feels fluid and movement is inherent. Her unique process of combining pastel with photography allows her to capture both the transient and the permanent aspects of nature.
Final Thoughts
Nancy Staub Laughlin continues to challenge the conventions of pastel art by integrating photography and emphasizing the transformative power of light and color. Her work invites reflection, not just on the natural world but on the moments of transition within our own lives. In “Spring,” she offers a glimpse into her world of creativity, where each piece is a thoughtful exploration of change, perception, and beauty.
Nancy’s dedication to merging different media and her unique way of portraying the passage of time make her work compelling and thought-provoking. As she continues to develop her art, her commitment to capturing nature’s essence remains unwavering, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the familiar.
