Art by Lauri Blank

Voters of this image list - View all

Lauri Blank was destined to be a creative soul. Raised by an artistic mother and grandparents that are, to this day, still performing musicians, Blank was constantly surrounded by creativity and artistic expression. At seven years old, Blank won her first art competition and by twelve she was included in a prestigious national exhibition at the Norton Museum of Art.
Continuing on a path of creative expression, Lauri Blank became a successful fashion model by age 14. She spent the next several years honing her painting skills while gracing the covers of magazines, catwalks, and advertising campaigns. Later she turned her attention to the fashion world, designing her own successful line of couture clothing.

Blank eventually returned her focus to fine art. "I felt the need to create something new each day. I couldn't do that in fashion - once successful, the business becomes more about production and less about creativity."

Blank found herself naturally drawn to the imagery and complexities of the human form. She concentrated on the female figure, learning to capture its very essence on canvas. Uninhibited by conventional or formal training, Blank's talent took on an original life of its own. Her artwork exhibits an unblemished romantic realism long forgotten by commercially driven, modern trends. What is most remarkable is that she does not use live models. "The images virtually create themselves," she muses.

In 1999 she accepted a commission for a mural project at an 18th century church in Old Montreal, Canada. For months she worked night and day painting the Cathedral's ceiling. It was the most magical experience she has ever had and is most proud of this work. After completing the monumental mural, Blank received national coverage in Architectural Digest and was featured on HGTV. Later she was selected as the artist for the 2002 Grammy Awards. Her post 911 Grammy work symbolized the patriotism of a nation blended with its love for music.

Blank's style of melding the techniques and icons of the old masters with today's cultural ideology, has won her national acclaim. Her powerful images along with her passion and devotion jump off the canvas. Her own imitable style, which she refers to as "Romantic Figuratism," brings a sense of peace and reflection to the modern day world.