Laura Pollak, PSA, IAPS/MC is an award-winning pastel artist who was reluctant about painting abstracts until she attended two workshops. Observing her skilled teachers, Jen Evenhus and Debora Stewart, inspired Laura to create 13 abstract paintings in three days. “I was hooked on the many choices involved with creating abstract art, as well as the use of brilliant colors,” she explained. “Abstracts are like a good work of fiction with pieces of reality mixed in with the imagination of the viewer. It’s the viewer that completes the visual story with their interpretation.”
Laura was born in Detroit and grew up with an affinity for art, ballet, and playing the piano.
“At age 4, my parents gave me a Crayola crayon set with 72 colors. I’ve been enthralled with color ever since.” Editor’s Note: The first box of Crayola crayons was sold in 1903 and the largest set now has 152 colors.
Laura completed her Master of Arts degree at Michigan State University, and post graduate work at the Center for Creative Studies where she enhanced her skills in graphic design. Her studies led to a career with some of the largest advertising agencies in the world supporting General Motors, Kodak, Sears, Kraft, and other clients.
Laura moved to North Carolina in 1985 where she started her own successful ad agency. She’s now retired and living with her husband in Greensboro and Naples as a full-time painter. Other inspirations for her art include concentrations of light, shadow patterns, observations from traveling, scuba diving, and bike riding. She and her husband have enjoyed cycling trips in Sicily, Japan, Napa wine country, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Laura has won many awards including the International Bold Brush Award in Abstracts. She’s a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America and many other art-loving organizations. She teaches abstract workshops online and at select galleries like Art Escape Gallery in Venice. – Randy Moore
Enjoy more of Laura’s art at LauraPollak.com and at Art Escape Gallery located at 206 Miami Ave. W. on Venice Island (941-303-6992). The second credential behind her name (IAPS MC) signifies her status as a member of the Master Circle with The International Association of Pastel Societies.
