Susan Laughton’s long-standing interest in landscape and architecture has always inspired her painting and drawing. Vernacular buildings, both rural and urban, domestic and functional are a source of geometric, architectural forms.
Laughton uses a reductive approach to select and refine the intentional placement of linear and spatial elements. These deliberate forms are set against the more random physicality of different surfaces, whether they are hand applied layers of plaster or the grain of plywood that connect back to the built environment. The main geometric areas of the painting are first developed in her sketchbook, then engraved directly into the surface with an etching point to create a sgraffito effect.
Onto this foundation, multiple washes of paint are layered over the surface, and applied into masked areas, clinging to the plaster and acrylic in different ways. Laughton responds to these washes of colour with further sanding and etching of lines in conversation with the surface of the painting. This is a more emotional and subconscious approach after the methodical early stages.
Laughton worked in architecture for twelve years before returning to education to study art graduating with a BA Hons in 2002. She currently works from Vale Artists’ Studios in Cheshire.