Laura Critchlow

Silver Bowl and Candle - original realism still life painting - contemporary art

2025

Laura Critchlow – Born 1979, England Laura Critchlow is a dedicated full-time still life and portrait painter specializing in miniature painting, based in Buxton, Derbyshire, UK. Her artistic focus is on everyday objects that surround her, where she spends significant time observing and mastering the depiction of beauty in day-to-day items. Laura’s work is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and is inspired by the old masters, with a particular draw to artworks where light, tone, and value create drama. In 2016, Laura was elected an associate member of the Royal Miniature Society, achieving full membership in 2018. As an active officer and the Society’s publicity officer, she contributes significantly to its operations. Laura has received several prestigious awards, including the Anita Emmerich Award and a Gold Bowl Honorable Mention award in 2024. She has also been honored with the President’s Award and the RMS Best Set of Miniatures Award. Laura’s work has been exhibited in numerous esteemed venues, including the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition in 2023 and 2024, and the National Portrait Gallery in London as part of the Herbert Smith Freehills Award. She has also showcased her art at the Ruth Borchard Exhibition, the Royal Institute of Oil Painters, the Royal Society of British Artists, Sugarlift Gallery in New York, and the ING Discerning Eye Exhibition, among others. Her work is collected worldwide, with pieces traveling to Europe, America, Hong Kong, and Australia. “Using a limited palette, of often just four colours, I mindfully contemplate the objects and depict what is there in front of me. I aim to draw the viewer into my work, so they too can spend a moment quietly observing an object that very often would be overlooked. Each still life piece has between 20 – 30 hours spent on it – and about 30 years of practice! Even my miniature works often have a similar amount of time spent on them.I haven’t studied art at university, I’m a self-taught artist. This has allowed me to follow my own path and not be deterred away from painting what inspires me. I have been painting for over 30 years now, however will always consider myself to still be learning, which excites and drives me forward. I still make the regular pilgrimage to the London galleries to study the works by the grand masters for inspiration. I also regularly visit contemporary galleries and artists to pick their brains about techniques and inspirations.”-Laura Critchlow