Lotti was painting traditional style realism portraits, usually in black and white, full time. She was selling but it had become a factory process. She was trying to be “saleable”, “marketable”, “mainstream”.
She took a very bold move and changed the direction of her art completely. She was filled with fear and was concerned about whether her new art would be liked and if it would sell.
But, she is more successful than ever before and is painting from my heart, and with over 60 commissions, she is loving life as an artist and in this interview shares her tips and lessons along the way….
I am a self-taught artist, and I love to explore topics of social justice and equality through bold, brightly coloured canvases.
My current collections pair each piece with the stories of those in the paintings, in their own words, or my own poetry, delving into their past and mine, to bring light to subjects which are often perceived as taboo.
I aim to transform negative issues into powerful images that evoke emotion, a sense of empowerment and unity.
I love working with acrylics and gouache, sometimes combining the two. I also like to experiment with drawing into wet paint with coloured pencils, scratching rough lines of colour and texture into a piece. It’s all about play!
If someone doesn’t like your work or doesn’t think it’s worth what you’re asking, they simply aren’t your people. Create what you love, put it out into the world, and the right people will come.
Before the Hub, I was painting traditional style realism portraits, usually in black and white, full time. I was busy, I was doing ok for myself, but I had lost my passion for it. It wasn’t a challenge; it had become a factory process. I was trying to be “saleable”, “marketable”, “mainstream”.
After the Hub, I am painting loud and proud, bold, colourful paintings, nudes, bold brushstrokes, abstract marks, rainbow hues…! I am excited to get into my studio and paint, paint, paint! Best of all? I’m more successful in doing this than ever before! I am painting from my heart, and people are coming on board and shouting their true colours with me!
Deleting my old style of work from my social media pages, removing the price lists, and exclusively showing the work that I want to be doing.
Making that firm decision that the old-style would not remain as a backup. It’s from the heart or nothing.
I was scared that nobody would resonate with my message, with my journey, with my passion. I was scared I would be too much for people, that I would be too loud, too proud, too outspoken. But I sought out others who share their messages unapologetically and in that I found courage and strength and even friendship.
“Make mistakes, learn from ’em. And when life hurts you – because it will – remember the hurt, the hurt is good. It means you’re out of that cave.”
Don’t censor who you are. Speak your truth. You have a voice and it deserves to be heard. Don’t hide in the shadows. Let your colours out.
Finding your true voice is the best, best thing you could do for your art. Painting what sings to your soul will bring out the magic in you, and others will flock to that.
Links:
Website: http://www.lottirawle.com
Instagram: http://instagram.com/lottirawleartist
Facebook: http://facebook.com/lottirawleartist
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