Today we’d like to introduce you to Marielle Ortiz.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
As a child, I was always very crafty even before I discovered my love for painting. My mom and I bonded over knitting and candle making, pouring soap and wire-wrapping jewelry. If there was a craft to try, it was on our to-do list.
It was school; however, that really awakened my passion for visual arts. I took theatre and choir classes and advanced art classes. I was always happiest when I was creating or performing. Despite my hunger to try an explore all artistic forms, painting, and drawing was always the creative outlet I came back to.
I had many odd jobs growing up, but the first job I ever really loved was working as a florist in a local grocery store. Arranging flowers, for me, was like sculpting with live clay and I quickly immersed myself in the subject. It was the first time I think it really occurred to me that I could use my passion to create as a source of income. Since my florist job, I’ve come to realize that creating is the only job I ever really want to have again.
Today, I primarily work teaching painting classes through yaymaker.com. You can also find me arranging for the occasional wedding or special event and working on various paintings for local art shows. While I’m still discovering who I am as an artist and finding my own personal artistic style I know with certainty now that creating art is what I was always meant to do.
Please tell us about your art.
First and foremost I am a portrait artist, primarily realism and surrealism in a variety of different media. While acrylic paint tends to be my go-to, I frequently bounce back and forth between graphite and watercolor, colored pencils and ink. Although I’ll probably never commit to just one form of media, the human form has always been my greatest source of inspiration.
There’s just something mesmerizing to me about the curves and planes of the human face, the many colors which make up a single skin tone, how the subtle lift or droop of the eyes can change the mood of the person being depicted entirely. I think the human body is a beautiful and fascinating thing and I don’t believe I’ll ever lose interest in painting it. It is my hope that when others see my art, they’ll feel that same sense of wonder about the human form.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
I highly recommend finding open art shows in your area to attend. Even if you aren’t able to contribute your art to the show, it’s a good place to meet fellow artists and find out about future events. I remember being so nervous the first time I ever entered one, but it really opened my world to such a wonderful and supportive community of artists. Talking one on one with other artists really opened the door to so many other opportunities that I would not have known about otherwise. Ive also found that it’s so much easier to build relationships with other artists in your neighborhood than looking to make connections with others online.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
For anyone wanting to view more of my works, get updates on upcoming art shows or contact me about purchasing I recommend they follow me on Instagram or Facebook under Marielle Ortiz Art. My floral design work can be found on Instagram by searching New Blooms Design.
Right now my artwork is most frequently displayed in shows hosted by Thumbprint Gallery and Midnight Cult Art in San Diego as well as Backfence Society in Vista.
Currently, I’m working on building up pieces for my first solo show “Girls in the Garden” (working title), hopefully, to be launched by next year, which will display both my watercolor portraits and floral design work.
I am also looking into opening an Etsy shop or Patreon page for individuals interested in supporting my work.
Contact Info:
- Email: marielleortizart@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/marielleortizart
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/marielleortizart
- Other: www.newbloomsdesign.com
Image Credit:
Marielle Ortiz Art
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