We were lucky to catch up with Lorra Kurtz recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lorra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

When I began painting, it was trial and error – basically a lot of guess work which lead to unresolved paintings. I would say to anyone wanting to take painting seriously, learn the basic principles early. Value and design being the strongest. Having these principles in your tool belt will allow you to paint more confidently and save time.

I like to begin a canvas with layers of experimentation. Eventually, I find something that I want to respond to. This is where decision making comes in and you have to figure out what you like most. Not everything in the painting can shine. It’s a dance between intuitive painting and thoughtfulness – back and forth, to finish a painting.

Working in a series is not something I have done until recently and I feel it has changed my art practice. It’s best if all your substrates are the same size. Evaluate which painting is the strongest and figure out why you feel that way. Then try to bring the other paintings up to this caliber. At this point, another one may outshine the first one. Keep going until you are happy with all the paintings in the series. It’s interesting to figure out why one painting sings to you more than others. Try to hone in on your likes and dislikes. This is valuable information to making authentic art and finding your voice.

Invest in yourself. I love to learn about new materials and processes. I enjoy the community and wealth of information I have received in taking classes and workshops. Be selective about the ones you want to take. I find it exciting to learn something new that I can take home to my studio and interpret in my own voice. Learning is a lifelong journey for me and for most artists.

Notice in your life what lights you up and paint from this place. What drives you to paint your best? For me, it could be a new series I am excited about or even a deadline. Each painting is a pathway to the next step in your journey. Embrace it!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

I am passionate about painting and like to mix up mixed media. I generally paint in either acrylic or encaustic medium and paint on panels, canvas and paper. I am represented by several Southeastern galleries. Tamara Day, of HGTV’s Bargain Mansions, has also selected my artwork for the last several seasons of her show and these images are part of her exclusive print program. Last year, I was selected to participate in a corporate art installation for a real estate firm in Atlanta. I like new challenges and adventures.

I am self taught artist and transitioned from a career in the financial services industry to interior design to becoming an artist. Art is where my heart is fulfilled. My current work combines nature and pattern. I paint florals, feathers, nests, hummingbirds and abstracts. I am fascinated by receptive patterns which originates from my background in interior design. I enjoy making my own stencils and like to include collage, fabric and mark making in my art process. My latests series of vases includes all these elements. Nature, pattern, and repetition go hand and hand. l would describe my painting as imaginative and joyful because that is how I feel when I paint.

I had my first breakthrough when I started painting hummingbirds. These were painted in memory of my father. He kept many feeders full on his porch in East Texas overlooking a lake and watched the birds dance. One of my hummingbird paintings was selected for a juried show. This show brought me recognition and led to gallery representation. Hummingbird paintings became the genesis of my career and I felt my dad was telling me to pursue my artistic career through the success of these paintings.

One of the highlights of my career was having a solo show at dk Gallery in Marietta, Georgia. I had over 70 pieces in the show. It was a surreal moment to walk into the gallery and see all the work hung, beautifully curated. The feeling is hard to describe. On top of that, many friends I hadn’t seen in years showed up to the opening. It was the best kind of reunion.

My biggest takeaway of being an artist is that I know myself much better. I have purposeful life through art. I am a better mother, daughter, wife and friend. I have an art community which surrounds me with hope and motivation. I paint to learn more about myself.

Please visit my website at www.lorrakurtz.com to signup for my art newsletter to receive the latest art insights.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I feel the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is connection. Connection to other artists, collectors, patrons, gallery personnel and designers has made a significant impact on my well being. They are the fuel that continually motivates me. It stops me in my tracks when a collector bonds with my artwork in a deep and personal way. Or, when I receive a heartfelt note about the the significance of a painting shared by an art lover. This makes the journey rewarding and the acknowledgements are inspirational for me.

But what I found is the most important connection is the one with myself. I have learned what I am capable of and been able to dig deeper into my soul to find my happiness. I now have more purpose with my life through making art. My eyes have been opened to see the world differently. Morning walks are filled with visual discoveries – the birth of spring or the decay of winter. Finding nature’s colors and textures while listening to the songs of the birds is joyous. Art has opened up all my senses.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want to create great art and be the best artist I can be. I want to continually improve my practice by learning and experimenting. I want to show my audience more of my authentic self – the confident with the not so sure. I will continue to take risks and stretch myself regardless of the outcome. I have many small and large art goals and keep a desire board to remind me daily of my dreams. Being an artist is a dream come true.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lorrakurtz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorrakurtz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorra.kurtz
• Other: For links to all artist information, please visit https://linktr.ee/lorrakurtz Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/lorrak/