We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lori Royce. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lori below.
Lori, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
It’s easy! I enjoy my life each day. I eat healthy, keep a clean house, stay organized, listen to great music, maintain my financials, keep in touch with my good friends, entertain alot in my home, pet dogs, wave to children, laugh every chance I get and keep smiling smiling smiling every day! I also excercise outdoors every day. My daily jog is my private time and the absolute best time for me to start a new painting in my head. Being that I paint images of outdoor scenery, when I get back from my jog, my creative energy goes wild and I can’t wait to pop a blank canvas onto my easel and begin a new piece. Being happy encourages my creative side.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
It is with stunning clarity that I am an Artist today. My focus on my artwork has always been in the forefront of my world. Sure, I have lightly thought about owning and running my own business; something to do with Art, yet not necessarily involving my own Art. That thought has changed. Now I am focused on running my Art business, in an honest and professional way, involving my own Artwork.
I paint scenes of the water! Oceanfront, intercoastal, beach, the sea, lakes, ponds, waterfalls, etc… What is so special about my paintings is that I have actually been to those places and witnessed those scenes in person! It’s all about the feeling. How did I feel when I saw that? What was I thinking of? How did the ocean feel when I touched my feet into the waves? What it must feel like to be a palm tree blowing in the wind; so strong yet so elegant and free. How did the sun feel on my face when I was watching the blue skies turn to pink? How did that breeze feel on my skin? What was that special feeling as I was listening to the hum of the seagulls swooping down into the ocean to look for food.
Putting all the colors of the palette together in my mind and locking them into my memory for later once back at my studio, when I can get going on capturing that moment in time with my oils, acrylics and pastel crayons: This is all so wonderful to me!
At this time I am even more focused on painting plein air. Right on the water, outside, immersed in the flow, full involvement, using my brushes and paints together, one brushstroke at a time.
It is with extreme pleasure that I announce the start of my new “Painting Retreats”. In collaboration with hotels, I will be hosting LIVE painting on the beach. The fun part is: You get to paint right alongside me! Welcome to all Artists and Non-Artists. In fact I encourage those of you who are not Artists, but have always wanted to get a bit creative, to sign up for my relaxing & enlightening retreats! Such exciting news!! Looking forward to painting with you. The Retreats Launch this Summer with the first one happening August 14th-16th, 2023 on the beautiful coast of Miami Beach, Florida. Visit my website for more info.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
My time spent on my craft was always dedication. No short cuts. Treating each and every drawing as if it were the only one I would create. Spending many hours on one painting just to get it right; both skillfully and pleasing to the eye.
The best art supplies you can afford are crucial. I have used low level artist materials; and the final result never quite turned out the way I wanted; which made me sad. Spend the money. Get the best brushes, paints, paper & pastels. Your art will transform into something better than you could ever expect.
Don’t give up. If this is what you want, then go after it.
If 1 person, 10 people, 20 teachers, 30 galleries say “No”, respond by saying “Thank You” and move on. Eventually you will get a “Yes”; and you will be even more enthused and more likely to keep getting a “Yes” after that. Your confidence will soar and your spirit will stay on a high!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always working alone on my artwork and simultaneously working alone on my business. But I am learning that I don’t know everything. I know how to paint and draw. Yet the business side is more challenging.
I would love to collaborate with another business that could use my finished Artwork in some way. Maybe my paintings could attract attention on site or staging my art at new Model Homes for sale. Or maybe my art could increase sales for a commercial building leasing office by installing my paintings in the reception area helping clients to visualize what artwork they might want for their new offices. I could also rent out my Paintings to any type businesses for short term rentals. That would be fantastic.
I would also like to get together with a company that is highly successful in marketing their own company but could use an Artist such as myself to paint LIVE at events. Could be at wedding receptions, parties, music concerts, retail store events, business conferences, corporate retreats or charity balls, fashion shows, etc. A Hotel Hospitality Group or Event Planning business would be ideal for this.
** book me for an event at > [email protected]
or use the contact page on my website at www.LivingAnArtistLife.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.livinganartistlife.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lori.royce.artist/
- Facebook: Lori Royce
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/livinganartistlife/
