Meet Lorena Lepori

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lorena Lepori. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lorena, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I think it comes from a constant inner push and pull alongside a natural drive to get things done. There’s a part of me that’s chaotic and spontaneous, and another part that craves organization and seeing things through. To avoid feeling frustrated or unhappy with the result, I’ve learned to guide myself toward a more disciplined process. I really enjoy seeing a project start and finish, and there’s something satisfying about tackling a challenge while the energy is there, like striking while the iron is hot. I also enjoy the process itself: seeing ideas take shape and feeling a sense of calm when things are done and in order. At the same time, I can be impatient; if something drags on, I lose interest, so I’ve learned to find ways to stay focused and push projects to completion. I guess this balance between chaos and discipline really defines my work ethic: it’s a mix of curiosity, energy, and a little bit of stubbornness that keeps me moving forward while enjoying the journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m an Italian painter living in the Netherlands. After my previous life in Rome, I decided in my 40s to hit restart on my artistic career, moving abroad, chasing what I always wanted to be, and diving back into painting with both hands (and a little bit of determined madness).
I paint realist and figurative, my work draws inspiration from memories, symbols, and cultural icons. Working in realism brings multiple layers of challenge. Painting the human body alone is a complex task, every detail must feel credible. At the same time, my imagination plays a role, blending historical references with my own creative vision. Each painting is a balance: it has to be convincing in its realism, but also carry the subtle message or twist I intend, often “cross-dressed” with something else, an idea or symbol layered into the scene.
The creative process is what excites me most: starting from an idea, developing a connection with the model, shaping the composition, and letting the painting emerge layer by layer. Each step is a conversation between me, the subject, and the work itself.
Sharing my work is essential: putting the painting out in the world, seeing the response, and gradually building a presence so my work is recognized and resonates at first sight.
Over time, my work has been accepted in international exhibitions, featured in magazines and catalogues, and found collectors, primarily in the United States. Each piece I share adds to this ongoing conversation and the gradual growth of my brand.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I would say persistence, self-kindness, and a willingness to keep learning.
Persistence, stick on what you think it’s impossible to achieve until you get there. As Bruce Lee said, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”
Self-kindness is a newer realization for me, but it’s essential: keeping the critical voice in check helps you continue without giving up, without deluding yourself about the results. It’s okay if the first try isn’t perfect, or the tenth, or the hundredth. Sometimes you need to step away, distract yourself, and come back, then you realize you’ve grown.
And learning never stops: studying, observing, and connecting with people who know more than you opens doors you wouldn’t find alone.
For anyone following their own path, I’d say: be patient with yourself, embrace the process, and trust that your best work comes from both effort and realistic self-kindness.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When deadlines, projects, or self-doubt start piling up. It’s that explosion of “what if” and “what if not,” all the things I can’t control. The truth is, nobody has a crystal ball, and dwelling on negative thoughts only makes it worse. My way to cope is to step back, give myself space, and focus on the process itself. Even a short break to do something different helps me reset and return with fresh energy.
Being an artist means knowing that nothing is guaranteed. There will always be refusals, tough competition, and moments of doubt. But it’s also a commitment, like any serious path you choose in life. The least I can do is put myself fully into my work, share it, and know I’ve done everything I could to make it happen. If it’s not enough this time, next time I’ll do better. It’s a mix of realism and optimism, and it’s the only way I know to keep my mind calm and stay true to my journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lorenalepori.com
• Instagram: @lorena_lepori
• Facebook: Lorena Lepori
• Youtube: Lorena Lepori
• Other: on www.artsy.net Lorena Lepori
  On www.artcloud.com Lorena Lepori