Art & Life with Vanessa Ortiz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Vanessa Ortiz.

Vanessa, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I have always been an artist since very young age. All I remember doing was drawing in my sketch book all the time. I’m originally from Los Banos, California, but lived half of my life in Kansas and Oklahoma. Where I graduated high school in Tyrone, Oklahoma. I was told from a young age that it would be impossible for me to attend college, but never stop me. As soon as I graduated, I head to Arizona State University. There, I was told I wasn’t good enough artist to continue. I was even advice to quit by a professor, but once again that just gave me fire under my belly to graduated and do my art. I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts, Drawing in 2010.

I still didn’t do much with my degree. Until I had my first born child 2012. The following year, I moved to Apache Junction, AZ, where I connected with mother nature and the beauty of the Superstitions Mountains. It felt as my spirit was freed. I find the Arizona desert is a vital part of my inspiration and well being.

In 2014, I applied to join a jury artist group. I was accepted. My first studio tour in 2014, I sold about 20 art pieces and every since then I have been selling my artwork at multiple art shows. It’s truly is a wonderful feeling to get amazing feedback from my customers about my artwork.

When I’m painting, something happens and I get lost in the joy of what I am creating. My mediums include acrylic, oil, alcohol ink, inks, watercolors, and pencil. Mainly right now, I have been using alcohol ink because it gives my paintings life like no other. Beautiful color and sharing the emotion in a painting is what seems to give me and my viewer greater joy.

Ever since my work has been used for advertisement and been featured in commission art galleries. I have been featured downtown Mesa and Phoenix with my artwork. I have featuring artwork in Apache Junction Chambers of Commerce. I have work with a company, for a logo. I’m now seeing if I can reach more people with my work.

Update: I have been working with alcohol ink now and I have been selling out of my artwork. It’s awesome. It’s a passion that comes from within that keeps me painting daily. Much more to come this following 2018 year.

Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I painting what makes me happy. Mostly, I take what I feel about the day or if I went on a hike, and I just paint the emotion or feeling. I painting animals, landscapes, abstract and portraits. Mainly right, I’m using Alcohol Ink because it gives me more of brighter colors that I like. I painting my artwork to make others happy when they see the paintings or drawings. I feel sometimes the world so black and white and with the color, it changes your mode from sad to happy. I paint for my health. My inspiration comes from mother nature. Here in Arizona, we are lucky for our gorgeous sunset and rises. I hope people when they see my work it lift their spirit to a more vibrant world. A little insight, I sometimes hide images with my artwork or words. Just some inspiration words.

How do you think about success, as an artist, and what do quality do you feel is most helpful?
As an artist, I define success with finish my painting and, of course, if it sells. I believe the key to success is keeping yourself motivated to do the next painting or drawing. Never stop learning. I teach to learn from my students. As I teach them, they keep me motivated to try a new form of painting or even being creative with the mediums. Also always showing what you are working on next.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
Well, right now, I have two artworks on display at Chamber of Commerce in Apache Junction, AZ. You can also support my work by following me on Instagram or on Facebook or simply visit my website to view more of my artwork www.zapataart.weebly.com. You can always visit my studio with an appointment.

Contact Info:

• Address: 411 N. 111th Place
  Mesa, AZ 85207
• Website: www.zapataart.weebly.com
• Phone: (480) 643- 0472
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art_by_vozapata/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZapataArtDesigns/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZapataOrtizArt
• Other: https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/2-vanessa-ortiz.html

Image Credit:
Vanessa Ortiz

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