Check Out Theresa Poalucci’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Poalucci.

Hi Theresa , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My mother was an artist, so I was exposed to art from a young age. She began with painting but eventually learned to sculpt as well. I had a long career that started as a graphic artist, then evolved into writing and editing, and eventually, I purchased the newspaper chain I worked for, located just north of Seattle.

Throughout my career, I always painted. It was my escape—a place I could disappear into mentally and forget the rigors of running a group of community newspapers. When I retired about twelve years ago, I decided that my new career would be to try and become a professional artist—and by “professional,” I mean I would try to sell my art.

I began with small sun sculptures featuring human faces and also painted the desert mountains on large canvases. Joining the Southern Arizona Arts Guild was one of the best things I ever did for myself. I had already started doing art festivals to sell my work, but joining the Guild got me into my first gallery.

More importantly, I met so many other artists who became an incredible source of knowledge and encouragement. Their support boosted my confidence and led to other gallery opportunities. Along the way, I also learned new techniques—eventually exploring alcohol ink painting, which I now enjoy as well.

I took countless art classes and, in time, began teaching my own techniques in gallery workshops. I also started entering exhibitions, and to strengthen my resume, I submitted work to juried competitions. Since then, I’ve been honored to receive several awards for my art.

However, one thing about being a painter always nagged at my entrepreneurial side: the idea that you spend many hours creating a single piece of art, sell it, and then it’s gone. That all changed when I met an artist who worked in digital art. She introduced me to the National Association for Digital Artists—and my whole world shifted.

I continued with my traditional work, but I also began leveraging my years of experience as a graphic artist to create digital art. Now I make digitized pieces that can be printed more than once—similar to fine art photography, but entirely its own form.

After moving from the Northwest to Arizona, I was struck by the vivid sunlight, vibrant colors, and the unique plant and wildlife. This environment deeply moved me and awakened a new level of creative energy. My current digital work blends the desert lifestyle with my fascination for the future and the rapidly evolving world of technology. I “paint with pixels,” using digital tools to capture my vision and enhance the colors I love so much.

My digital process starts by crafting a composition using my computer screen as a canvas. I often incorporate smartphone photos and scanned drawings or painted elements. Once the foundation is complete, I use pixel-based painting and experiment with digital filters and color refinements. The moment a piece “speaks” to me, I know it’s finished. I then send the final file to a professional printer, who prints the artwork on acrylic or metal—perfect even for outdoor display.

My goal is to capture a single, clear moment that allows viewers to escape daily stresses and connect with the beauty of that instant.

During my time as a newspaper publisher, I learned firsthand the importance of giving back to the communities we served. I’ve carried that philosophy into the art world. Today, I serve on the boards of three nonprofit art organizations and write a monthly column about local art events for Oro Valley Style Magazine, just north of Tucson.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I still feel like I am learning about the business of selling art. I want to just be in my studio all the time, but there is the business of promoting your art and all the social media that takes a lot of time. So my challenge is always how to balance the business end with the creative aspect.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a one artist operation I work from my home studio. But I am proud of all the connections I have made with fellow artists over the years, It can be lonely if you don’t have mentors and a group that you can share with. I am proud at where I have come so far. I have sold more than 500 pieces and in my current portfolio I offer over 80 digital pieces. I have done custom work in the past, and will continue to do so, but only if the customer understands that sometimes the painting might lead me down a different path.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
It was a total risk to shift my focus away from paint on a canvas to digital art. A lot of galleries were hesitant at first to take digital art, until I got in front of them and showed them the work. I find that I have to educate people about what digital art is and what it is not. I have to explain that AI is not making a painting for me. Once a gallery director understands the process then it gets a bit easier. Being a member of the National Association of Digital Artists has helped with this.

Pricing:

• Digital pieces start at $250 and go to $1200

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.artisttheresapoalucci.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theresapoalucci/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theresapoalucci/