Erico Ortiz: 2019

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Thankful...

"Life With Mommy & Daddy" (acrylic, 16x20)

Ever grateful to my physical therapist who has gotten me through some rather painful times this summer, i painted this for him and his wife... for their new house is Sun Prairie! Best of everything to you, Lucas. -Erico

Monday, March 4, 2019

Inspired once again...

"Sunrise Celebration" (acrylic, 36"x48")

Inspired once again by the amazing women in my upcoming production of THE CEMETERY CLUB, I am drawn to the light and the colors and the music and the dance. -Erico

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

"Three Holy Women"...

"Three Holy Women" (acrylic, 30"x40")

Another painting inspired by the women in my current theatrical production of THE CEMETERY CLUB. I'm enjoying the process of studying other artists and being inspired by their creations. I may create more "three women" paintings to include in the lobby of the theatre. -Erico

Friday, February 8, 2019

Theatrical Inspiration...

"The Cemetery Club" (acylic, 30x40")

Inspired by the cast of THE CEMETERY CLUB, which I am currently directing, I created this painting in honor of my wonderful leading ladies in the show.

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Dali-inspired....

"Young Women" (acrylics, 30x40") Dali-inspired.

After comments that my "Beggar Woman" was too small for the large stage of The House of Bernarda Alba, I created this piece. Its colors match the "Resting" piece that will also adorn the stage. I'm learning to enjoy this type of painting that is inspired by another artist's work. -Erico

The House of Bernarda Alba...inspired me to create two Picasso studies.

"Beggar Woman" (acrylics, 18x24") Picasso-inspired

"Resting" (acrylics, 24x48") Picasso-inspired

I was inspired to create two new paintings, inspired by Picasso, for the revival of The House of Bernarda Alba, my translated play that was performed at Inspiration Studios on January 4, 5, 6. The play is being presented at AACTFEST 2019 in Verona, Wisconsin, on January 18-20.

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Biographical Note

Erico Ortiz was born in Cayey, Puerto Rico in 1955. He earned his undergraduate degree at Marquette University (Spanish Education) and a Masters Degree from UW-Milwaukee (Administrative Leadership). Erico taught Spanish for ten years and then became a school administrator, having worked at several Milwaukee Public Schools until retiring in 2011. He has worked with several community theatre companies, both on stage and behind the scenes, something he still enjoys today. He plays guitar and, until June 2019, could be found Sunday mornings directing the Spanish choir at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish in Milwaukee. In 2014, he opened Inspiration Studios, a small art gallery and performance venue in downtown West Allis that he owns and manages. Erico's life is all about the arts!

Artist's Statement

In 1998, a study leave immersed me in art education courses at UW-Milwaukee. While this was not the traditional studio coursework that a budding artist would undertake, I learned the value of critical thinking and problem-solving as they relate to educating students in the arts. After years of rather humble artistic endeavors, my retirement from the Milwaukee Public Schools in 2011 provided the opportunity I needed to explore visual arts as never before. I began to paint! I realized that inspiration was all around me—in people and places, sights and sounds, music and movies.

As part of my creative process, I determine the idea for a project. Then the first challenge is the mixing and blending of colors to achieve a certain effect on a canvas, a challenge I truly enjoy. Sometimes that selection process takes on a life of its own... and I'm forced to abandon my initial intention to give way to a new creative thought. Still honing skills and techniques, I am often thrilled (and sometimes pleasantly surprised!) by the resulting color compositions and the overall product.

What began as a hobby has become a way of viewing the world and expressing my mind’s eye on canvas. If you choose to view these pages, you will see that I am still finding my way.

Erico Ortiz