paintstrokes

Stepping outside the BOX.

2012-01-13T07:15:00.000-08:00

As little as 2 years ago, had you asked me if I would paint live at an event where other artists were painting and hundreds of people would be attending, I would have answered with "Are you out of your mind?"

You see, I was raised never to be the center of attention. The goal was to pretty much blend as much as possible, and give absolutely no reason to draw attention to yourself. I remember as a kid seeing someone like Bette Midler, or Cher perform on television, and being completely mesmerized. Meanwhile my mother would change the channel as she bluntly declared "that's disgusting". As an artist, that meant hiding in my studio, creating behind closed doors, and occasionally putting my work "out there", and if it was randomly recognized, well, I guess that's ok.

Then Facebook came along, and the safe little cardboard box I had built around myself, became more like a glass box. Glass, because now even though I was still creating behind closed doors, I was letting everyone, and I mean everyone, see the end result. If I drew attention to myself, well, it was fb, everyone was doing it.

This past weekend, I painted for three days live at TattooLaPalooza in Miami. I've painted live twice before, but picked paintings that were safe and easy, and I could "just have fun with". This weekend I chose to paint what I would have painted in my studio, an addition to my series, and I loved it. I even discovered that I am a better painter when I paint live, because I'm forced to loosen up, and not be such a perfectionist.

My newest series is called FnPerfect, and I tell anyone who will ask that my portraits are about celebrating self. You know, it's hard to celebrate in a box, cardboard, glass, whatever it's made of. Boxes belong on shelves, and this little girl has finished collecting dust.

The finished product of a three day weekend.

Painting live at TattooLaPalooza in Miami.

New Year...just paint.

2012-01-01T11:13:00.000-08:00

It's a new year, and in the past few months I've found myself having conversations with myself on what to do next. The "FnPerfect" series has become so close to my heart I have found it difficult to continue with it. I have placed a great deal of importance on the subjects I choose for the series, and an even greater importance in the way I paint them.

Then there is the "ink" series. I have endless inspiration from my good friend and fabulous photographer Kris Starry, yet again the pressure I put on myself to make every painting better than the last, finds me with many ideas only to be coupled with several blank canvases.

So back to it being a new year. My resolution, one of several... take off the pressure, lower the expectations, and just paint.

Next weekend I'll be painting live at TattooLaPalooza in Miami. What better way of forcing myself to "get it done". It is was it is, enjoy the process...and just paint.

http://www.tattoolapalooza.com/live-art

Art Basel is Coming!!!

2011-11-19T06:15:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year! The most exciting time for art in Miami. Art Basel, Dec. 1-4! As an artist the creative high that is felt during these four days can only be compared to jumping out of an airplane. The art community comes alive with gallery openings, satellite shows, live music, fashion and my favorite... street artists creating live murals on every available wall and surface throughout Wynwood.

This will be my second year showing at the Multiversal show which encompasses over 5,000 sq. ft. of visual and performance works under tented and open air space. Click on the link for more details, and hope to see you there! http://multiversalmiami.com/multiversal-2011/

I'll have one of those...

2011-08-18T05:32:00.001-07:00

I remember the very first time I approached someone to be in my "INK" series. I was at a coffee shop and in walked 3 beautiful girls. One girl looked in my direction and I quickly looked away as I caught myself staring. She had tattoos strategically placed on her arms and legs as if to say "there will be more, I just need to fill in the blanks." Her friends from what I could see didn't seem to have the same obsession.

I quickly fumbled for a business card and started planning my approach. I had planned on staying at the coffee shop for an hour or so, but instead quickly packed up my computer, grabbed the coffee I had barely began to sip, and figured the most natural way to approach the girls was on my way out. Be cool, I kept reminding myself. Ha, cool is something I rarely feel, and I doubt that day anyone thought I was. I stopped at the table, introduced myself and told the girls about my "INK" series, focusing the entire time on the girl with the tattoos, obviously she had become my inspiration for making a fool of myself. I guess it wasn't all bad. They smiled politely, took my card and tried not to have a look in their eyes that said "who is this woman, and what does she want?" One girl even showed me the ladybug tattoo she had on her foot, her one and only tattoo, and asked if she could be in the series. I wasn't sure if she was being cute, or making fun of me, and at that point I made my very "cool" exit. This scene repeated itself over and over again for months. The approaching people became easier but the results typically stayed the same. Polite smiles, yes I'm interested, but never a commitment or phone call like they promised.

It's almost 3 years after that day in the coffee shop. I have 14 pieces in my "INK" series, and have shown the series in over 25 different venues. The latest which was The Green Room, in Fort Lauderdale. I loved the way my work looked there, hanging throughout the second floor of the club. As I approached the bar for a drink, Krysti appeared to take my order. The drink became about as important as my coffee was that day in the coffee shop. Krysti was a beautiful girl with gorgeous tattoos, and a great smile. Her energy was perfect for my series. I introduced myself as the artist who was showing that night. Enthusiastically she complimented my work and opened the door for me to ask her to be in the series. One month later her piece is done. It should always be that easy. I finished it at the South Florida Tattoo Expo where I worked on it as people passed my display. My 19 year old daughter helped out with the table as I painted. Later that day as my daughter and I walked through the expo she grabbed my arm, and said "Mom, this is the coolest thing you have ever done" I turned with a smile and said "the tattoo expo?" She said, "no, your INK series".

Off The Easel!

2011-06-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

"Katya" is # 4 in the "fnperfect" series. Kris Starry of Starry Night Photography first introduced me to Katya through her popular "Bathtub" series. Of course I thought "WOW!, she's perfect and jumped at the chance to draw her and include her in my "INK" series.. I didn't actually meet Katya till after I finished the piece, and quickly began to see what an inspiring woman she was. A mom, a wife, an artist, a curator, and the list seemed to go on, but more impressively she seemed to do all of these things with a vigor and tenacity that you could truly see came from the heart. Which leads me to what many people know her for, her "ArtHeart" shows. Katya bills these shows as: shows that unite friends and artists in order to share our artistic work with the community, with the goal of raising money to benefit charitable organizations. Art with a mission. Art with a heart.

I am privileged, and so excited to have the opportunity to add "Katya" to my "fnperfect" series.
view Katya's artwork at http://www.katyaneptune.com
view Kris Starry's photography at: http://www.starrynightphotography.net

RED EYE!

2011-06-06T04:48:00.000-07:00

Summer season for artists can sometimes seem slow and uneventful, but summer for me, means it's time for my favorite event of the year. ArtServe's Red Eye, coming in July! Last year I was fortunate to exhibit a piece from my "INK" series "Backyard." This year I hope to enter two pieces from my "fnperfect" series. One of which is on the easel now.

Last years entry: "Backyard"

Blah Blah Blog....

2011-06-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

It has been over a year since I've "blogged". Not sure I think anyone really cares what I have to say. Even tried convincing myself that blogging was a dead art that fb and tweeting had run over and left flat.

So why start again? Well a wise friend of mine stressed the importance of blogging to me, when I so eloquently tried convincing her it was no longer useful. And while my reasons and your reasons may be different here I am none the less.

So please allow me to introduce you to my newest series "fnperfect"

A series of portraits about celebrating self. You can view the "fnperfect" website by clicking on this link. web.me.com/loripratico

"Amanda"

"Grace"

"Neri"

More to come soon!

Influence of Women in Art

2010-03-06T05:56:00.001-08:00

Art Exhibit - Influence Of Women In Art from OCTV on Vimeo.

I had the honor of being included in this show at Pembroke Pines City Hall. Click on the video to see all the artists who were showcased, including myself.

Showing in March!

2010-02-23T03:29:00.001-08:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE
After a surprise "Best in Show" for "My Hood" at the prestigious ArtBravo exhibition, gallery curator Ben Menasche approached me about displaying in his show at the Glass Gallery in Pembroke Pines, FL. Entitled "Influence of Women in Art", I am proud to have my work hang alongside this group of women.

"Blue Pontiac" is my first 12"x12" in the series "INK" It will be showing at ArtServe March 1 - March 19, 2010
Opening Reception: March 12, 2010 6-8pm
The 3rd annual dynamic "twelve by twelve - the collective" exhibit will feature small scale works of art by local artists that are precisely 12 inches by 12 inches. In 2009 this exhibit hosted over 300 small pieces of art, supporting members from local arts agencies in Broward County.

"Bad Grass Girls"

2010-02-23T03:24:00.001-08:00

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I just can't get enough of these two girls. After drawing each of them individually, "My Hood" and "Doll Face", I couldn't resist a portrait of them together.

"Doll Face"

2009-11-28T12:40:00.001-08:00

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Before I began to paint the first in the series "INK", I ran into this young woman at Barnes and Noble. I pretty much chased her through the store, knowing she would be perfect for the series that had been evolving in my head. She was polite, and even seemed excited that someone might want to draw her, but after that meeting life got busy and I didn't hear from her again. Two months later, and with 3 portraits completed, as fate would have it, my Barnes and Noble girl reappeared. Her edgy look was what first made me notice her, but it was her sweet, girlish charm that I found intriguing as I painted her portrait. If you look closely "Doll Face" is tattooed across her knuckles. It seemed like the perfect title for this piece.

"My Hood"

2009-09-06T04:43:00.000-07:00

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I had decided I'd like to take this model's photos in the park near my home. I drove through the park twice before we met to pick out the perfect locations to take my photos, since normally this part makes me a little nervous. I have never considered myself a "photographer" and usually feel like, if I get a great shot, luck was definitely involved. This paticular evening the luck I had was bringing my daughter along with me. As we sat in the car waiting for our model to arrive, my daughter, Grace, spotted this old Pontiac parked beside a building about 500ft away from us. She very nonchalantly commented, "you should have her sit on the hood of that car over there". I'm not sure I would have even taken notice of the car had I been at the park myself. Sure enough these photos came out the best, and "My Hood" was born. Thank you Grace, and thank you to the women who have so graciously been willing to be a part of my series. Grace will be coming along to all my photo shoots from now on.

"Nicole"

2009-07-04T08:32:00.000-07:00

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I met Nicole at a gallery opening where one of my pieces was being shown. A handful of times in my life I have met someone who immediately my mind has said "I have to draw this person" Sharing this with someone can be a bit daunting, but I gathered up the courage and told her my desire. Painfully shy she said "no way"! As we continued to talk she started telling me about her tattoos, why she got them and what they meant to her. A week later, I saw her again, and told her I'd like to incorporate her tattoos in the drawing. Immediately she said yes, and thus the series "INK" was born. Thank you Nicole for inspiring me, and allowing me to capture how beautiful I thought you were inside and out from the second I saw you.

"Southern Belle"

2009-07-02T13:05:00.001-07:00

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The second in my series "INK".
I could probably do a series of 20 drawings just of this girl. Her playfull, flirty look, and the ink she chose to have on her body intrigues me. All artists should have a model with so many facets to her personality as this one. She is truly inspiring...and yet I have never met her. The original photo that was used to create this portrait was taken by Wendy Weber, photographer. View more of her work at www.dragonflyimages.net

Tattoo Bride

2009-06-08T19:00:00.001-07:00

Click to Enlarge
The first in my series "INK"..."Tattoo Bride" is a 20"x30" pastel and graphite on illustration board. I loved the contrast in themes for this painting. The innoncence of a young bride against the raw edge of her tattooed skin. I found her eyes mesmerizing, and although I have never met my tattoo bride I felt as though I knew her well before this piece was completed. The original photo that was used to create this portrait was taken by Wendy Weber, photographer. View more of her work at www.dragonflyimages.net

A New Series

2009-06-08T18:55:00.000-07:00

It has been two months since I've posted on my blog. Certainly not because I haven't been busy, but more likely because I haven't been motivated. My new series of paintings entitled "INK" is an attempt to change that. I am very excited about this series, and look forward to sharing it with you.

In the studio...

2009-03-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

Click on image to enlarge...
I call this painting, "waiting on a wave", although it should probably be titled, "waiting to finish" This piece has been sitting on my easel for well over 6 months. I've almost felt like it was haunting me, and now that it's completed I feel like I can breathe. I was originally drawn to painting this piece, because I loved the play of light coming off the surfers backs. To my surprise it was in the shadows that I found myself both challenged and excited.

Spotted at "Art Florida"

2009-03-13T07:55:00.000-07:00

This was a great event that I always cross my fingers I am able to get my artwork into. This year my painting "City Lights" was chosen to be displayed. One week after the event it was sold. Can't wait till next year.

Before and Afters

2009-02-25T15:11:00.000-08:00

Michelangelo must have started somewhere right?

I've been told time and time again from people who view my work that I need before and after shots. Ok, Ok I hear you. Thank you for the good advice. Here is a before and after shot of a ceiling I painted today in champagne and antique brass metalics.

The Viceroy...At Last!

2009-02-24T09:35:00.000-08:00

Check it out! An exciting project has come to a close.
Initially I was brought on to this project to help with the handpainted wood finish you see in the photos above.

Then it was on to the Ballroom and Pre-Function area. Here I developed and executed the finishes from beginning to end. The finishes are subtle, which makes it hard to see the detail in photos. The ballroom is a gray on gray dragged linen, and the Pre-Function is a gray on off white dry brushed finish. All the trim, moldings and baseboards were also hand finished.

CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO ENLARGE

In the Studio...

2009-02-21T06:21:00.000-08:00

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Hi, everyone. Well, the Viceroy Hotel project has kept me very busy. It was an exciting venture, and a learning experience doing a job of that scale. I'm still waiting on photos of the finished ballroom, but will post them as soon as I can. Meanwhile in the last couple weeks I have returned to my easel. Here is a sneak peek of the painting in progress. It is a 36" x 48" piece painted with acrylics. Wish me luck, this one is going to take a while to complete.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-06T17:31:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, hope your new year is full of opportunity, good health and creativity. I started out the year with a new project I'm really excited about. Two artist friends of mine invited me to join them in creating the finishes for the Viceroy Hotel in Miami. I came on at the tail end of an interesting wood finish that is being showcased in the Main Lobby and 50th floor. Yes I said 50th. This week I developed and will be executing the finish for the ballroom. Hopefully I will be able to get pictures.

small works

2008-12-27T13:32:00.000-08:00

This is an 8"x10" India ink and acrylic piece I created for a show titled "The Small Works Exhibition". It was also the first show that I have entered that the judges chose to leave me out of. Rumor had it that it was the ugly frame. I chose the busy and somewhat gaudy frame to go with the chaos and clutter of NY city. I'd love to know what everyone thinks. I had a blast doing this one, and did attend the show. There was some really nice work there from some really quality artists. Click on Photo to Enlarge.

Finished Kitchen!

2008-12-22T04:47:00.000-08:00

Back in October I posted pics of a kitchen makeover I had the pleasure of doing in Chicago. Jen was nice enough to send me updated pictures of the kitchen finished with a new backsplash, and everything looking pretty. Thanks, Jen!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-20T07:38:00.000-08:00

I'd like to wish everyone a very happy holiday. Thank you for visiting my blog and all your wonderful comments. Here's to a happy, healthy, creative new year!

"Oh Christmas Tree..."

2008-12-20T07:09:00.001-08:00

This is what I call my Manhattan Christmas tree. I was inspired to create these trees after spending a Christmas in New York where my friend was living in a beautiful, yet tiny Chelsea brownstone. There was barely room for a sofa and television, no less a Christmas tree. I thought, how cool would it be, to hang your christmas tree on the wall like a painting, ornaments and all. Here are some of my Christmas tree creations. They are currently hanging at Life Escape Day Spa, and are for sale. Starting price is $200. Custom trees are available on commission.

One lucky kid!

2008-12-03T17:49:00.000-08:00

This little boy's fire truck bed will look like it is coming out of the firehouse. CLICK TO ENLARGE

Fun at the Firehouse!

2008-12-03T17:37:00.000-08:00

I had a lot of fun painting this mural for a family moving into their new home. I hope it will make this little boy feel like he has a very special room. CLICK TO ENLARGE

Art Florida Exhibition

2008-11-08T12:34:00.000-08:00

"Nightlife" was sold at the Art Florida Exhibition which was held at the ArtServe Gallery in Fort Lauderdale. Mr. Robert Mayer, CEO of SuiteSimplicity collects paintings representing Time Square and has added this one to his collection. CLICK TO ENLARGE

what to do with the niche?

2008-10-11T09:27:00.001-07:00

These niches were very large and very high. They often become a decorating nightmare for the homeowner. This homeowner dressed hers up with metalic paints and a custom stencil. Click for a larger image.

love tree

2008-10-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

I hope baby Blake loves her new room and will spend lots of time gazing up at her tree mural. That's mom and dad's initials in the tree trunk.

Kitchen Cabinet Makeover

2008-10-05T05:57:00.001-07:00

Recently I visited Chicago for the first time and revamped my friends kitchen cabinets. They were a pinkish pickled wood color which did not coordinate at all with her stainless steel appliances and black and gray granite counter tops. So we repainted and glazed them two tones of gray to update the look. Our friends plan on adding a beautiful glass tile aquamarine colored backsplash which will add just the right amount of color and interest to the overall look of the kitchen. Click on the image to view larger.

By the way Chicago was great!

"In The Studio"

2008-08-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Experimented with plaster on canvas. Trying to balance the simplicity of the silhoutte with the complexity of the texture.
Click on image to view larger.

Colby's "1"

2008-08-26T12:53:00.000-07:00

Colby turned one this week. He's a special little boy, so I tried to make him a special gift.

Day 2

2008-08-22T03:38:00.000-07:00

Getting the hang of this. How will any one know I'm blogging, and will anyone care?

First day with a blog!

2008-08-21T14:57:00.001-07:00

Not really sure what I'm doing yet, but check out my website where I do know what I'm doing.
www.loripratico.com