Laura Bernardeschi Nelson

Laura Bernardeschi Nelson is a mixed media and oil pastel artist based in Newcastle upon Tyne. She began her artistic practice in 2017. Before becoming a painter, she worked as a life model, actress, and photographer, which shaped her understanding of color, light, form, and human expression. She did not pursue formal art education but developed her practice through engagement with the artistic community in London.

Nelson initially worked with watercolors before moving to acrylics, and later incorporated markers, oil pastels, and soft pastels into her practice. Her work has evolved toward abstraction and explores themes of memory, self-identity, and transformation. Her Italian heritage and appreciation for dramatic lighting reflect the influence of masters like Caravaggio, while her time in London connected her to a broader artistic tradition including Van Gogh, Picasso, and Klimt.

Her self-portraits address complex emotions including sadness, confusion, strength, and healing. Beyond personal expression, Nelson's work engages with social and environmental concerns, particularly climate change and the degradation of natural ecosystems. Her art draws connections between personal healing and ecological preservation.