Laurel Best
Oakville, Ontario
Laurel Best is a watercolour artist and teacher whose Wild Thing collection was shown at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto. She specializes in pet portraits.
Message
Laurel Best first started painting on her grandmother’s porch, but artist is her second career. She began her artistic journey with watercolours as a hobby, taking lessons from Wilma Stammler to hone her skills. By 2012, Laurel was not only proficient but also teaching at the Oakville Art Society. The pandemic saw her pivot to teaching via Zoom, continuing to share her passion for art.
Her artwork has been accepted to juried shows in Halton and Toronto. Her dedication led her to the Toronto One Of A Kind Spring 2023 show, where her Wild Thing collection garnered attention. In 2020 she won a Mirvish Fan art contest and her artwork was displayed on the Princess of Wales marquee in Toronto. She loves theatre and takes acting lessons as a hobby.
Laurel is a long-time resident of Oakville, Ontario.
Statement
My passion for wildlife and nature has always been a driving force in my life, inspiring me to create the "Wild Thing" collection. Through watercolor, I strive to capture the captivating eyes of big cats, “sculpting” each piece to reflect their majestic essence. My artwork is a testament to my deep love for animals, and I find immense joy in creating pet portraits, each one a unique expression of the bond between humans and their animal companions.