Meet Veronica Verdugo-Lomeli

Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Verdugo-Lomeli.

Hi Veronica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My art journey started in my junior and high school years, in the late 70s and early 80s. I loved drawing and being in my own world with it. I had to remember, as best as I could, how I saw an event or image so that I could start drawing and shading them until I formed the story I carried around in my head, it was always a challenge. (no internet reference photos back then)…I’d be in my creative zone for endless hours!

Eventually, I enrolled in a graphic design and art production program and worked in graphic arts studios since the early 90s. I also took a course in drawing and painting at a community college.

As my family grew I took a pause on painting, I have 3 grown kids now and have been married 32 years. When I took up painting it was to create 2 tribute portraits in our home of our talented musician fathers. Which now hold more meaning since they have both passed on. I realized at that point in my life how much I carried around in my head, leaving unfinished sketches in folders for years without giving place to so many stories that had meaning to our heritage, our lineage, and culture.

I got into my creative zone again and started endless hours of painting. In 2010, I started participating in festivals
and art shows. Creating art for private and public commissions. I was also introduced to printmaking through
the Xico Arte y Cultura studios, which has been a great space for growth and opportunity to learn this medium. I’ve met buyers and new collectors of my work and made great art friends that have been part of my growth as an artist.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’m not a formally trained painter and I’ve struggled with that but I’ve never let it hold me back because of the satisfaction I feel when my client is happy with the art piece I’ve created for them. I learn a lot through workshops, seminars, and any opportunity I get to improve my techniques and try new mediums.

As art became a job it was easy to overwhelm myself with taking on a lot of projects and deadlines. I had to plan space between projects, my personal life, and unexpected situations that come up. I’ve taken steps back when I needed to refocus and explore other areas of interest that also inspire my work and well-being, like fishing and road trips!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in acrylic painting on canvas, wood, and murals.

My graphic arts work includes digitizing illustrations, lettering, and art preparation for print and web. I am most proud of my portfolio of paintings and printmaking as in the tribute to Arizona Miners, a Day of the Dead digital illustration, and Sarival, a mural about the City of Goodyear’s history. The combination of digital and fine art techniques sets my work apart from others because I can tell the story in both mediums.

What does success mean to you?
I’m proud that I have been able to create for others the images they carry in their heads and paint their story or event because it’s personally important to me. I guess back in the day I never thought of myself at 56 still doing art, loving it and getting paid for it at that. That’s how I define my success.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vvlarts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Verdugo.Lomeli

Image Credits
VVLarts