The project Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands is called such because it is the geographical location of the watercolor map painted by Lauren Wargo, a talented artist from U.S.A. Painting for her about discovering the complex layers of a city and revealing it's beauty through deconstruction. Let us take a look and enjoy!

Structure & simplicity are the foundation of my watercolor maps. I experiment with different scales, orientation & hues to capture the essence of a locale. My paintings entice the viewer to take a closer look & discover the map's attributes from an extraordinary view. Painting for me is about discovering the complex layers of a city & revealing it's beauty through deconstruction.

- Lauren Wargo

Each map I draft is influenced by numerous factors unique to the subject. Inspiration extends beyond topographic features to those of incalculable worth: the history, culture and people that breathe life into the location. I aim to provide value to a map by mirroring the true beauty of a locale.

- Lauren Wargo

I aim to infuse static geographical representations with a swirling dynamism through a watercolor lens. I wanted to celebrate the untamed natural allure of a Caribbean gem. The composition aims to entice visitors arriving by sea in Spanish Town (via Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour or the ferry terminal) to explore the island's vibrant culture and wander each of the unique National Parks.

- Lauren Wargo

Creating a map is a tedious process, which presents unanticipated challenges to best mirror each locale. While I consider myself an amateur with the medium, the benefits of watercolor certainly outweigh the challenges. Any imperfections in the hand-painted maps add a grittiness - which allows the map to take on it's own form.

- Lauren Wargo

Extensive research is involved and decisions relative to the design are completed before watercolor touches paper; but it's a dynamic process. While no revisions were made in terms of an overhaul, I'm actively referencing variations of existing maps among other resources to represent the location from a viewpoint that doesn’t yet exist.

- Lauren Wargo

About Lauren Wargo

By day, Lauren works as an environmental/civil engineer with a consultant firm, and by night watercolors maps among other creative interests. Explore additional views and destinations of Lauren's hand-painted watercolor maps at: www.contour.es or on Behance. Lauren's maps have been featured in locations worldwide including: the Exploratiorium of San Francisco, the Smithsonian American Art Museum of DC & Mildura Arts Centre of Victoria, Australia, through her collaboration with Art-O-Mat. Follow Lauren on Instagram and Twitter for an insiders perspective of her creative process including her latest work, inspiration and adventures.