Inside the Studio

Laura Naples in residency at MacArthur Place

Artist Laura Naples moves large paintings on paper across a table at MacArthur Place. — Photo by Emma K Creative

Infused with curious exploration and the grace found in stillness, these works on paper distill Laura Naples' experience during her Uprise Art x MacArthur Place residency.

During her time at MacArthur Place, Laura created a suite of works on paper using aqueous washes of diluted acrylic to create gestural abstractions that reflect on the ineffable. Channeling everything from the journey of childhood to adulthood, and on to motherhood, Laura's paintings are tender reflections on coming into one's own.

Laura Naples wearing all white and sketching outside at MacArthur Place. — Photo by Emma K Creative

An overhead look at Laura Naples sketching curved lines in a notebook while sitting on the ground at MacArthur Place. — Photo by Emma K Creative

A close-up of Laura Naples painting with tan and charcoal watercolors at MacArthur Place. — Photo by Emma K Creative

The gardens at McArthur Place and the surrounding Napa Valley offered new forms and textures that I distilled into paintings. While at a winery, I sketched the blossoms of a yucca plant that inspired these shapes. Within the petal-like structures, a beautiful texture organically dried, the spaces between the curves activated and directional.
Laura Naples

A gestural painting on white paper sitting on top of a table at MacArthur Place. — Photo by Emma K Creative

Laura Naples's hand holding a paint brush, applying watercolors to paper at MacArthur Place. — Photo by Emma K Creative

Artist Laura Naples holding up a finished painting on paper in a studio at MacArthur Place. — Photo by Emma K Creative

My time at MacArthur Place allowed me to spend time engaged in a technique that is foundational to my playful painting process: sketching. Inspired by MacArthur Place's lush gardens and grounds, I found new shapes and color captures that formed the basis for the series of works on paper. Having time and space to be led by curiosity allowed me to engage with and reflect on my creative nature.
Laura Naples