Born in Louisville, KY in 1969, painter and sculptor Laurel Swab now resides in Colorado where she has exhibited in a number of galleries and institutions. Swab graduated with honors and received a B.F.A. in 1991 from the Kansas City Art Institute where she studied sculpture and fiber arts. She was exposed to a variety of media and continues to explore new processes and materials to further expand her visual vocabulary.
Although a third generation sculptor, Swab was inspired to teach herself to paint after a trip to Italy in 1998. The passion, atmosphere and execution of the work of Renaissance painters like Michaelangelo, Carravagio, and DaVinci left a lasting impression with her. Swab reignites the realism and mood of the "old masters" with her rich and subdued palette. Her dramatic lighting creates a striking contrast between her subjects and their dark, atmospheric backgrounds.
In 2002 Swab was awarded "Best Visual Artist" by the Pikes Peak Arts Council. She has received recognition for her painting and sculpture in the form of various awards and purchases by private collectors throughout the United States. Swab has also earned the respect of regional critics as well as gallery and museum curators and directors.
