Photos by Laura E. Pritchett

October is here already and 2012 seems like a blur with life seeming like it’s passing by at 100mph! Who’s ready for a new month and a new interview? I’m ecstatic to share some wonderful photos by artist Laura E. Pritchett, whose photos immediately caught my eye on instagram.

To say Laura’s photos are a marvel would be a huge understatement. Each photo she captures (with her phone!) is a masterful work of art full of rich colors, liveliness, and an overwhelming sense of peace. Read on and get to know Laura a little bit more with her interview and be sure to follow Laura on instagram — she goes by the username “bythebrush” — and have a look around at her lovely artwork, too.

Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am from Southern, DE and am primarily self-taught as an oil painter. I have been pursuing art since childhood and began receiving portrait commissions around 14 years old. Currently, I am working on a figure series and preparing for gallery representation.

How would you describe your artistic style?
I hope it simply feels alive.

In paintings, I’m allowing my brush strokes to relax more and more to help create the energy that I want. I find that in my photos I apply tilt-shift in an effort to achieve a similar result. Several people have mentioned lately that I have a cinematic style – which was something I had not considered at the start, but does express my love of capturing action.

Who are some of your artistic influences?
I learn from many current realist painters, but am also drawn to the moodiness and controlled tones of Andrew Wyeth. I love Vermeer’s light and Monet’s palette, but I cannot choose a favorite artist. I learn from everyone. Certain music can affect me as much as visual arts do – anyone who helps me to experience life to a new dimension is an influence.

What’s one of your favorite photos you’ve captured with your phone?

A recent photo that I captioned “awe” is a current favorite because it was clearly God’s doing — I merely set the self-timer app to snap the photo. That sky was just something I could only stand in awe of and is a scene I am powerless to properly re-create (though I’ll probably try!).

What are three of your desert island must-haves?
I really only have one “desert island must-have:” my husband Nicholas. I’m sure that together we could figure out how to either happily survive there or get back home (smile).

What are a few things you love about nature?
I love the day-to-day unpredictability of nature, the fact that we still have so little control over it, the ability it has to spellbind me with its beauty and remind me that I am very small.