We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Virginia Lago a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Virginia, appreciate you joining us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?

In the early 90s I used to watch a show named “Welcome to my studio” with Helen Van Wyk. She became my mentor and I even traveled to Rockport MS to learn with her on a week long workshop. I studied portraiture and kept practicing until my children started demanding more from me and my apinting waited until I turned 56. I am now 62 and have a reasanable presence on social media but I wish I had never put the panting on the back burner.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I graduated Industrial Design in 1986 and worked on the field for a few years. As an imigrant to USA and raising 3 children I had to reinvent myself several times. But my passion for art was always latent and every chance I had I found an od job to be working with paint. From teaching at nursing homes and the infusion center at Emory to joining several groups in my town like Portrait Society of Atlanta and the Arts and Culture committe and Johns Creek. But right before pandemic hit in 2019 I decided to work in my studio and develop dog art. My passion for dogs is so big I even tattooed doggie paws on my neck! I have painted several dog photos for friends. In a few weeks I started selling more and more and in 2020 I was painting live on social media and had none stop commission work. My favorite thing about painting pets is the reaction of my clients when they see their pets immortilized on canvas.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I LOVE SOCIAL MEDIA. I think the main thing about it is being connected and loving it. I learned how to make my videos and postings and hashtags and I am hooked. I can do all of it myself after watching youtube videos and being curious. Lots of reaserch and discipline. I post daily and have a schedule. sometimes I post silly things and sometimes I post with a purpose. But I have been consistent. I am still not where I want to be but I will never give up. I enjoy it and I am always hoping it will work out. At the least it is about the journey.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I was very succesful as a TV celebrity once. I want to relive those days back in the 80s with my art. After raising 3 children it is time for me to focus on myself and share all my knowledge with others. It is not easy to find motivation everyday but every small action keeps me going, I have a lot o support and a few very amazing coaches to hold my hand and tell me I can do it!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virginialagoart/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/virginialagoart/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@virginialagoart/shorts
• Other: https://www.patreon.com/c/virginialagoart

Image Credits

Virginia Lago