Laura Corallo-Titus is a California-based painter whose work explores complex themes tied to climate change and humanity’s evolving perceptions of nature. Over her career, she’s steadily honed in on the intersections between land, sea, and how we, as a society, represent and engage with these landscapes. Her paintings take on a reflective quality, not only in terms of aesthetics but in what they invite the viewer to ponder about humanity’s role in environmental issues.
The themes Laura dives into have gained her recognition, and she’s been showcased in a variety of solo and group exhibitions. Her solo shows have taken place in venues such as the San Jose City College Art Gallery and the Patricia Sweetow Gallery, giving her a platform to share her environmental messages through art. Her work has traveled across national shows, reaching audiences in galleries like the Sanchez Art Center, Acumen Gallery, and the Lori Austin Gallery. Outside the United States, her paintings were featured at Tapir Gallery in Berlin, signaling the international appeal of her subject matter and her distinct approach to painting.
Laura’s body of work is not only limited to exhibition halls but has also found its place in public collections. Her pieces are held in The Monterey Museum and Brand Library and Art Galleries, as well as the Crocker Museum and Hewlett-Packard’s collection. These spaces house a variety of artists, yet Laura’s work, with its ecological focus, stands out. It is both a testament to the universality of her themes and her ability to capture something genuinely resonant about our current environmental crises.
Her recent painting, Bread and Fishes, created in 2024, serves as a key example of her thematic focus. Measuring 54 by 48 inches and rendered in oil on canvas, Bread and Fishes is thought-provoking. Laura uses this work to address the urgent concerns surrounding climate change—especially its effects on rising sea levels and the increasing intensity of storms. The title, which evokes the biblical story of feeding the multitude, adds layers to the painting’s message. The painting suggests a call to action, hinting at the possibility that if these environmental trends continue unchecked, the world may struggle to sustain its population. It’s a powerful reminder of the fragility of ecosystems and the far-reaching impact of climate change on food resources.
The visual style Laura employs in Bread and Fishes aligns well with the depth of her environmental concerns. Working primarily with oils, she brings an intensity to her canvases that captures not only the beauty of natural landscapes but the tension that underlies them. Her work often depicts nature as a force both vast and vulnerable—teeming with life yet under threat. Her brushwork and use of color reflect a deep awareness of natural beauty while reminding the viewer of the urgency to protect it. In this sense, her paintings can be seen as more than art; they are acts of advocacy, urging viewers to see and feel the pressing realities of environmental change.
Laura’s dedication to environmental themes makes her work particularly relevant today. Her paintings encourage dialogue, asking people to think critically about their relationship with the land and to consider the consequences of environmental neglect. Through her use of color and form, she creates a visual language that’s accessible, allowing viewers from all walks of life to connect with her work.
Beyond her environmental messages, Laura’s work carries a meditative quality. She captures the essence of landscapes and waterscapes in ways that invite viewers to pause and reflect. This reflection, however, isn’t just about the beauty of nature but also about its precariousness. Her art doesn’t offer easy answers but instead encourages questions. How can we, as individuals and as a society, shift our actions to support a sustainable future? What sacrifices or changes are necessary? Her work is a reminder that these issues are both personal and collective, and it suggests that the solutions to environmental challenges require a transformation of our attitudes and actions.
As Laura’s career progresses, her focus on climate change and nature remains a constant. She continues to be inspired by the landscapes around her, translating that inspiration into works that engage viewers on multiple levels. Each painting is a blend of beauty and awareness, with her artistic choices reflecting her deep concern for the planet’s future. Her canvases speak to anyone willing to listen, whether they’re seasoned environmental advocates or newcomers to these issues. Through art, Laura opens doors to conversations that are as essential as they are challenging.
Laura Corallo-Titus’s paintings, whether viewed in a gallery or a public collection, act as visual reminders of what’s at stake in our current ecological moment. In her hands, the canvas becomes a space to explore, question, and, ultimately, advocate for a more harmonious relationship between humanity and the earth.
