Nancy Staub Laughlin is an American artist whose work bridges the elegance of pastel drawing with the realism of photography. With a BFA from Moore College of Art in Philadelphia, she has cultivated a unique visual language that captures fleeting natural phenomena and transforms them into radiant, immersive compositions. From her dynamic “assemblage” approach—layering detailed photographs of seasonal moments with pastel on paper—emerges a body of work that pulses with light, color, and dimension. Her creative process is rooted in observation and spontaneity, such as pulling to the side of the road to photograph a sudden spring flurry. Nancy’s art is both meditative and vibrant, often inviting viewers into a world where natural transitions are honored and magnified. Whether it’s a flowering crabapple tree or a glint of light through branches, her work celebrates nature’s ephemeral beauty with grace and precision.
Here is the artist’s interview.
What is your creative process like?
I have created a new dynamic concept of the “assemblage” working with pastel on paper and photography. I combine the elements: ie. photographs of the phenomenas of nature in seasons and detailed photographs of glowing and paralleling moments that incorporate change and transition. I immerse the viewer into my radiant and captivating world of color, light, dimension, and beauty, crafting compelling compositions that represent the culmination of a meticulously executed process that defines my unique artistic approach.
Do any personal experiences shape your work?
I would say that my personal experiences that shape my work are watching and being aware of the weather! To capture a spring flurry that lasts maybe 2 minutes requires quick thinking….driving to the
side of the road to quickly capture the moment of the squall. It is incredibly satisfying to know I have captured these moments of extreme precipitation to add for future drawing possibilities.
What challenges do you face as an artist?
I always said to my kids that being an artist is like applying to a job 24/7. You are constantly marketing yourself to find the right niche. It pays off if you don’t give up.
What do you want people to feel when they see your art? When people see my work, I want them to see pure beauty. They should leave being energized after stepping into my world for a moment.
Nancy Staub Laughlin’s art invites viewers into a luminous world where nature’s fleeting moments are captured and reimagined. Through her pastel-photo assemblages, she creates spaces of energy and wonder, offering a momentary escape into pure beauty. Her work reminds us to stop, look, and feel inspired by the everyday magic all around us.
