Laurie started out like many artists - doubtful that she could make a career of her passion. Her parents had insisted it was impossible to make a living as an artist. At age 12, she started studying with Graham Ingels, a retired illustrator and portrait painter in Lantana, Florida. In twelfth grade her high school art teacher encouraged her to apply for art scholarships and she received a full scholarship from Columbus College of Art & Design.

After a year of college and winning a scholarship for her second year, she married. At age of 40, when her 6th child was born and oldest was heading to college, her husband lost his job. She decided to try her art as a source of income and her first step was to start teaching and accepting portrait commissions. Her paintings were noticed by a national publisher and, thus, started her career in art.

Today, her work appears in open and limited edition prints with a large following. Laurie has joined with Carol White of Artworks! Licensing to exclusively license her designs and to build her brand in programs combining both manufacturer and retailer. Laurie's designs have been licensed for home decor and gift products for such companies as Current Inc., Mohawk Home, Highland Graphics, Town & Country Living, Thirstystone, Marian Heath, Leanin' Tree, Conimar, Weavetec, and Home Interiors Inc. She's a successful oil painter, illustrator, art instructor, a member of the Atlanta Portrait Society and the Portrait Society of America, listed in Who's Who in American Art, Who's Who in America, and Who's Who of American Women.

On top of all this, she's now involved in organizing artists to join her in a charitable effort to support International Justice Mission, a worldwide human rights organization dedicated to conquering injustice and freeing people held in slavery and prostitution . "Art Angels" is a new way for people involved with the arts to be recognized as a group working together to make a difference in the world of human rights, freedom and dignity. She would love to share her

vision on how artists and art lovers can come together to make a difference in the lives of oppressed people in a win-win situation.

The images are from her heart to yours, directing you to see the wonder of this life and creation. "I try to capture a feeling of life , for you to be moved, feel, hear, remember, or gain something, not to just look at it and say, 'That's a pretty painting.' I want your senses enlivened and your heart or emotions moved. My paintings reflect what I am all about, they reflect my soul. "