“Abstracts”, an exhibition currently on display at Lagoa Library until May 22, 2026, marks Laurence Ross’s debut show in Portugal. The artist, who splits his time between his home near Carvoeiro and his base in London, presents a compelling selection of his work.
The route to becoming an artist was not a straight line. Laurence met the entry requirements for a leading London Art College by the unusually early age of 15 and seemed destined for a career in art. However, circumstances changed and instead, after taking two academic degrees, he pursued a career in Law.
Nevertheless, the desire to paint never left him – even if for many years the opportunities did. About 12 years ago, shortly before his retirement, and after a brief foray into sculpture, he took up painting again. His preferred medium is acrylics, a versatile, vibrant and – for a man in a hurry – a fast-drying medium.
Whilst he very much enjoys illustrative painting and portraiture, the main focus of his work over the past five years or so has been on abstract art, which is perhaps far more challenging than many people realise. The exhibition “Abstracts” represents a selection of his smaller paintings undertaken over the past five years or so, both in England and Portugal.
Due to his dislike of repetition, Laurence has not alighted on any one style of abstract painting. Instead, he is continually exploring new ways for his work to appeal visually to the senses and emotions. This is reflected in the range of paintings – all undertaken in acrylic on canvas – to be displayed in “Abstracts”.
If there is a theme to the paintings, it is to be found in the manner in which each painting was created. None even closely represent whatever inspiration motivated Laurence at the outset. Very few ideas survive the initial painted marks on the canvas. Instead, most paintings are built up of numerous layers with directional changes being made as the painting evolves.
Each application of paint, however applied and wherever it may appear on the canvas, alters the dynamic of the painting and continues until the right balance of colours, shapes and marks have been achieved. Laurence sees this process as creating order from chaos.
Whilst being grateful to Lagoa Library for offering him the opportunity to show his work publicly, space has necessarily limited the size and number of paintings on display to around 20, but more can be seen on his website.
Running until May 22, 2026, “Abstracts” can be viewed at the Municipal Library, Largo dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra, Lagoa, from Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
