Pearls and Oysters (Pinctada radiata) | 2010, watercolor, 11” x 14”
Budding Alyssum | 2011, watercolor, 10” x 9”
Flowering Alestromena | 2007, watercolor, 15" x 11"
Heirloom Tomato in Red and Green | 2010, watercolor, 11” x 8”
Pear Quartet | 2006, watercolor, 9” x 7”
Pepper Quartet in Orange and Green | 2011, watercolor, 10” x 14”
Hosta Unfurling | 2011, watercolor, 15” x 13”
Boats in Levanto Harbor | 2007, watercolor, 12” x 12”
Summer Collection of Mollusks and Memories | 2007, watercolor, 11” x 15”
Afternoon Sun | 2001, watercolor, 13” x 19”
Backpacks and Books | 2009, watercolor, 18” x 13”
Gourds with Blue Vase | 2007, watercolor, 15” x 20”
Seashells by the Jersey Shore | 2007, watercolor, 11” x 15”
Amsterdam Canal | 1999, watercolor, 13” x 9”
 Funhouse Reflections of a Venetian Palace, Closeup View | 2009, watercolor, 8” x 10”
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Trumpet Flowers Unfurled | 2006, watercolor, 19” x 13”
Pears on White | 2005, watercolor, 16” x 14”
Trio of Heirloom Tomatoes | 2007, watercolor, 9” x 12”
Mediterranean Cockle Shells | 2006, watercolor, 17” x 15”
Tuscan View from Casa Frati | 2006, watercolor, 17” x 17”
Rorschach Test in Glass Block | 2009, watercolor, 12” x 12”
Arms Extended | 2007, watercolor, 7” x 9”
Green Streaked Snail Shells | 2007, watercolor, 9” x 9”
 Companion Shells | 2007, watercolor, 7” x 9”
On the Rocks | 2007, watercolor, 7” x 9”
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Member Portfolio

Lauren Sweeney

Philadelphia, PA

Résumé

Artist Biography

A lifetime of scientific observation is the underpinning of the artist’s interest in capturing the essence of her subjects in watercolor. In her still life compositions, she focuses on close observation of the organic forms of flowering plants, vegetables, seashells and gourds for their exuberant variations in shape, color, texture and pattern. In her scenic paintings, she focuses on glimpses of domestic interiors, streetscapes or seascapes that capture the essence of the larger scene. Whatever her subject, her sparsely populated compositions are designed to create a serene and uncluttered visual world that pulls the viewer into the painting for its realistic painterly qualities, and then holds them there to experience their abstract visual qualities. She works in watercolor for the freedom it gives her to bring a work to life gradually with multiple layers of transparent washes.
The artist has had a dual interest in art and biology throughout her life. Initially this led her to a career as a scientific illustrator and biologist; in time this evolved into a full-time focus on painting. She began with a BA in biology from the University of Pennsylvania and studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, then trained in medical illustration at Johns Hopkins. A growing interest in doing the research behind the illustration led to a Ph.D. in biology, and a career in research and teaching, first in Chicago and then in Philadelphia. Throughout this career she created both original paintings and scientific illustrations, which included illustrating and writing a textbook and many research publications.
Lauren has exhibited in a number of galleries in Philadelphia and environs, including the Sketch Club and Plastic Club, Gallery Twenty Two, and the Main Line Art Center. She is an annual participant in POST, the Philadelphia Open Studios Tour. She has also done a number of commissioned works for individuals and institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania.

Affiliation

Member, Guild of Natural Science Illustrators
Member, Philly Side Arts

Professional Experience

Other

2007 – 2011
POST, Philadelphia Open Studios Tour, Philadelphia, PA

Exhibitions

Solo
2011
Nature’s Bounty, Geechee Girl Rice Café, Mt. Airy Philadelphia, PA
2009
Recent Works, Twenty Two Gallery, Philadelphia PA
2007
Natural Selections, Twenty Two Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
From Cockle Shells to Hens and Chicks, Milkboy Gallery, Bryn Mawr PA

Group
2010
Member Group Show, Main Line Art Center, Haverford PA
Small Worlds, The Plastic Club, Philadelphia PA
Members Group Show, Twenty Two Gallery, Philadelphia PA
2009
Expressions of Seven, Zeidler Gallery, Philadelphia PA
Art of the Gecko, Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA
Members Group Show, Twenty Two Gallery, Philadelphia PA
2008
Fall Collection, FUEL Gallery, Philadelphia PA
Small Worlds, The Plastic Club, Philadelphia PA
Members Group Show, Twenty Two Gallery, Philadelphia PA
2007
Seashells by the Shore, North End Trilogy Gallery, Barnegat Light, NJ
Flower Group Show, Twenty Two Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Works on Paper, Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, PA
Small Worlds, The Plastic Club, Philadelphia, PA
2006
Works on Paper, MUSE Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Flower Group Show, Twenty Two Gallery, Philadelphia, PA
Works on Paper, Philadelphia Sketch Club, Philadelphia, PA
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