Elina Lorenz paints colorful nature and animal pieces in an abstracted folk style that are full of color, forms and pattern. These paintings have a calmness and natural feel, with the abstracted shapes and bright colors.
Beside her paintings on panel, canvas and textiles, Lorenz paints faces for events and festivals. In this arena, the animal themes are vivid and intricate.
When did you begin in the arts?
I began as a child. I was born in Moldova. My mother and father were both artists. So, I pretty much grew up in the arts. We had different schools for different disciplines. I went to art school from 8th through 12th grade.
Which media do you work in?
I am trained in all the media, so I am proficient with mostly all. I make paintings with oil paint, acrylic, watercolor, pastels and even colored pencils. I will also make fabric art with textiles. My go-to is oil paint though, unless I wish for something that dries more quickly.
What subject matter most interests you?
I am drawn to nature-based art. I like to paint birds, cats and other animals. My work is a cross between more realistic and more abstract views of the animals and their backgrounds.
Who are some of your artistic inspirations or influences?
In school, I started loving the Impressionists, especially Monet. I was also inspired by the bright paintings of Van Gogh. I love Picasso and the use of colors and different forms. I have always found his imagination fascinating. The work of Matisse has also interested me. The later work with the colorful collages and cutouts are especially interesting.
How did you start with face painting?
I used to teach art classes for young people up to adults. Now I have started a face-painting business, Sublime Colors Face Painting. I am hired for events, birthday parties, fair and town festivals. I work in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania.
Some current favorites are unicorns, lions and tigers and butterflies. There are always popular superheroes: Spiderman, Batman, Iron Man and Captain America.
What fight/struggle do you have regarding your art?
Sometimes, if my art is not selling, I may not be motivated. As artists, we wish to create, but we are forced to take care of the business end also. When I have commissions, I am motivated, as I give myself a deadline.
My mood is best when I am painting. I tend to paint more in winter, as I am a studio painter, and when it is cold I am inside more. I focus better in the studio.
Do people approach you for commissions?
I am approached by friends and people who see my work on social media. I get many requests to paint people’s cats once they see my work. I paint in my folk- inspired style. I developed this style here. In Moldova, we studied to paint traditionally. Painting and drawing from the casted figures. When we started we were taught in two colors, white and black or brown and develop all of the tones from these two. Now I have simplified the compositions, but have livened up the paintings with much more color.
What are you working on now?
I am working on a 30×40-inch painting titled “At Night.” It will be a larger piece with a blue and white color scheme. It is oil on canvas. I usually paint oil on canvas and acrylic on panel.
I have also just completed painting a denim jacket with a Bob Marley piece. I like to paint the fabric wearable art also.
What is on the horizon?
I have a one person show coming up at Brookwood Café in the spring. I have a lot of work and am happy to show it. Smaller and medium size pieces will be exhibited.
