Nancy Staub Laughlin’s artistic journey started after earning her BFA from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, PA. Over the years, her works have been displayed in a wide range of galleries and museums across the East Coast. Her art has been included in both corporate and private collections, and she has enjoyed media coverage through articles and interviews. A standout moment in her career was when renowned art critic Sam Hunter reviewed her work, praising its “refreshingly unique” qualities. Laughlin’s approach to drawing is marked by a unique intensity and focus, and her style remains easily recognizable, even as she continues to grow and evolve as an artist. She often plays with the relationships between light, color, and form, creating immersive works that invite viewers into a multidimensional world.
In The Elegance of the Storm (32 x 45, pastel on paper and mounted photographs), Laughlin captures the dynamic interplay of light and color during a storm. Viewers are immersed in the atmosphere, almost feeling the wind and the swirling precipitation. The composition’s motion and grace highlight the beauty within the storm’s chaos, creating a moment where nature’s raw energy is transformed into something elegant and profound. Laughlin’s use of pastels infuses the piece with a vibrant glow, making the viewer experience the storm not as an overwhelming force but as a spectacle of nature’s splendor. Rather than invoking a sense of destruction, the storm feels like a celebration of the natural world’s complexity and power.
Laughlin’s The Dazzling of Spring (41 x 60, pastel on paper and mounted photograph) transports viewers into the vibrant, awakening world of spring. The burst of colors in this piece mirrors the blossoming of flowers, each bloom resembling sparkling gems that light up the scene. This work exudes a sense of renewal, with spring’s energy radiating through the composition. The pastel medium enhances the softness and fragility of the flowers, while the brilliant colors intensify their allure. In this piece, Laughlin doesn’t just depict spring; she brings the season’s essence to life, creating an ethereal and vibrant world that feels light and full of possibility.
In The Phenomenon of the Spring Snow (28 x 36, pastel on paper, mounted photographs), Laughlin captures a rare and fleeting moment when spring and winter collide. Trees are in full bloom, yet a delicate layer of snow coats the landscape, creating a contrast between warmth and cold, life and stillness. This piece draws the viewer in with its balance of opposites, where the soft pastels emphasize the fragility of both the blossoms and the snow. The scene evokes a sense of transience, as if the snow could melt or the blossoms could fade at any moment, making the moment feel even more precious. Laughlin’s intent is to make viewers pause and appreciate this rare convergence of seasons.
Across these works, Laughlin demonstrates an ability to create not just images but environments that fully engage the viewer. Her art goes beyond the visual—it invites viewers to experience the interplay of color, light, and texture as if they were present in the moment. Her use of pastels and mounted photographs adds depth and dimension to her work, making each piece feel alive with movement and energy. The combination of these elements allows Laughlin to create a seamless blend of reality and imagination.
Each of Laughlin’s pieces maintains a consistent vision that evokes both wonder and emotion. Whether depicting the elegance of a storm or the peaceful beauty of spring, her unique style is evident. Her works are not just scenes from nature—they are explorations of nature’s beauty, fragility, and power, rendered in a way that captivates and enchants. The emotional depth and technical skill in Laughlin’s work make it an engaging and lasting experience, offering viewers a fresh and captivating look at the world through her eyes.
