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Modern Masters: Laura Hopkins

December 05, 2025

Night Song an oil painting by Laura Hopkins.
Color’s Mastery of Light
 
One of an artist’s greatest achievements is depicting the mastery of light in paintings. There’s no such thing as a pigment in “light” color, so painters must diligently express the illusion of light by employing a complexity of colors that depict placements of shadows, sunny areas, reflections, and so on to the naked eye. Put it all together, and you get gorgeous illumination.
 
Raised on a rural New England farm, Laura Hopkins delights in capturing the fleeting glow of the outdoors with her brush. She chooses an open field of trees to display the magnificence of light. The multi faceted character of light… by commemorating its true character through the passage of time. 
 
Please enjoy these five paintings that capture the magnificence and splendor of light.
 
The warmth and glow of an autumn sunset blankets the land with comfort before its descent into the dark of night. We love how the trees bear witness as the main characters to the scene. Laura is a self taught artist who takes her inspiration from the 19th century Tonalist movement, which is noted for its harmony with light and pastoral subjects.
 
Isn’t it remarkable that this painting is based on the same landscape? Broad impressionistic brushstrokes sing their serenade across the canvas, from the trees blowing in the wind to the dreamy moon to the rippling brook. “In the studio, I paint gesturally and intuitively and use a variety of tools to apply and remove paint,” says Laura. “I am open to allowing an errant mark—a happy accident—to change the course of the painting.”
 
Moonrise on a Lake an oil painting by Laura Hopkins.This particular painting showcases the rising moon peeking out from the trees. Like a blushing schoolgirl with her first crush, its rosy complexion offers a sweet and intimate scene with nature. Still waters on the lake further communicate a sense of tranquility and safety. 
 
Like a passage taken out of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, we love how the cool tones of the harvest moon create an enchanting evening by the brook. Soft fluffy clouds enshroud the moon and further spread its glow through the darkness to the point it almost looks like daytime! 
 
Twilight glowing through the autumn leaves creates a dramatic experience all its own. A luscious dance of pinks, golds and greens takes place in the field. “I view each painting as an experiment or journey, and I’m not entirely sure where it will take me,” Laura admits. “This approach involves some trial and error to be sure, but allows me to search for the mystery, suggested reality, and emotion that I want my work to reflect.”
 
Witness Light’s Full Spectrum
Majestic and awe-inspiring, Laura Hopkins brings the beauty of nature’s true moments to light. To see her work and more illuminating pieces, be sure to catch The Modern Masters Event: The Edge of Light presented by Seaside Art Gallery! We invite your imagination to experience light beyond the canvas in this breathtaking original art event. 

Chelsea Reed is a copywriter who writes winning content, articles, blogs, and websites from her base in North Carolina. She might not be building sandcastles or swashbuckling with pirates these days, but the Outer Banks beaches continue to keep her young at heart.

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