Born in Euclid, Ohio, Laura Owens emerged as a prominent figure in the Los Angeles art scene during the late 1990s. She received her BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA from the California Institute of the Arts, quickly gaining attention for her expansive approach to the medium of painting.

Owens is celebrated for her signature style, which often incorporates a wide range of materials including silkscreen, collage, and digital printing alongside traditional oil and acrylic paint. Her work frequently challenges the boundaries of the canvas, often incorporating architectural elements and immersive installations that engage directly with the viewer's physical space.

In addition to her studio practice, Owens is an active educator and gallery owner, contributing significantly to the contemporary art discourse in Southern California. Her work continues to be the subject of major institutional surveys and international gallery exhibitions, maintaining her status as a influential voice in contemporary abstract and figurative painting.