tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58511284256833446372024-03-28T15:51:18.839-07:00Erico OrtizWelcome to my blog, where you'll see displays of my art pieces and the stories that they tell. Enjoy!Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-24827760608346386122024-03-28T15:50:00.000-07:002024-03-28T15:50:24.897-07:00<p> Theatre!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJY7kvA3h9yQmJKHQqDJ84ILl6YpCGLK6WNdoe6aSGWCY_KOQilS8LcWURZKeR3BKZSOsOj8R4akNXLlCDKfunE4CsTs_4ynVR2zs4HozNnWJyQhaDwQA1Ug0CyMxCnww-iO8bPlHUV5zcJvmMwZ24kufKJc94Sf-XmWiLVK0TUzjebuErj-QhFH4ykBHZ/s1379/Comedy%20&%20Tragedy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1379" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJY7kvA3h9yQmJKHQqDJ84ILl6YpCGLK6WNdoe6aSGWCY_KOQilS8LcWURZKeR3BKZSOsOj8R4akNXLlCDKfunE4CsTs_4ynVR2zs4HozNnWJyQhaDwQA1Ug0CyMxCnww-iO8bPlHUV5zcJvmMwZ24kufKJc94Sf-XmWiLVK0TUzjebuErj-QhFH4ykBHZ/s320/Comedy%20&%20Tragedy.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Comedy & Tragedy" (acrylics, 12x14")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The colors! Whew! This was tricky. I'm still not sure that the red orange was the correct choice, but it's done. <i><b> -Erico</b></i></p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-19783210871033741392024-03-28T15:48:00.000-07:002024-03-28T15:48:30.668-07:00<i><b>Spring is in the air...</b></i><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPH7zSdrUmkjeqzvqh24md1CNLuNLmW575rsoXG-wuf1-OL0ckXvl7v1OD54cHlcyJp35CHWjZj15ad87XLx1eA6G9RJVrrKRSD0OA9sA1yy-M2HD2ShVDItppGQWQ4qWxK0TUJ8qCgeGOW-6sRJKl5TBKrprnygkhvqy1qUqA053CGlbKXfRKIvrCLOQ/s1087/White%20Blossoms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyPH7zSdrUmkjeqzvqh24md1CNLuNLmW575rsoXG-wuf1-OL0ckXvl7v1OD54cHlcyJp35CHWjZj15ad87XLx1eA6G9RJVrrKRSD0OA9sA1yy-M2HD2ShVDItppGQWQ4qWxK0TUJ8qCgeGOW-6sRJKl5TBKrprnygkhvqy1qUqA053CGlbKXfRKIvrCLOQ/s320/White%20Blossoms.jpg" width="314" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"White Blossoms" (acrylic, 12x12")<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />This was fun to create. I struggled a bit and found that it had to be created and re-created until I was happy with it. But it's finally done! <b> <i>-Erico</i></b></div>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-65369560211047723182024-03-24T15:14:00.000-07:002024-03-24T15:16:50.325-07:00<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b> Cancer sucks...</b></i></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zihLqUhoViUyklt2SxG2rCp6VEcdOCePgQSW-iqz1laja4p_xnXkaB_5SO1HwNFegROvOf9pj-I_9VbE1_4Ph-QV_KO5tSLWqnKjpcX-Az9jlKylu7wgF7gZj4Ku00OTnNmJAkr9aJAK7S85Jc8qRdmevaUvw_jkO048A6ib_KEoEp10gr-aknu-UCXe/s1409/Hope%20Floats.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1409" data-original-width="1073" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4zihLqUhoViUyklt2SxG2rCp6VEcdOCePgQSW-iqz1laja4p_xnXkaB_5SO1HwNFegROvOf9pj-I_9VbE1_4Ph-QV_KO5tSLWqnKjpcX-Az9jlKylu7wgF7gZj4Ku00OTnNmJAkr9aJAK7S85Jc8qRdmevaUvw_jkO048A6ib_KEoEp10gr-aknu-UCXe/w277-h364/Hope%20Floats.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hope Floats (acrylics, 18x24") </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I'm often asked to make a donation of art to worthwhile fundraisers. Cancer has struck home so many times, and it's never easy to cope with. Loved ones, far and near, are affected and struggle to understand the "why me?" question. A loved one said to me after her diagnosis several years ago, <i>"Why <b><u>not</u></b> me? What makes me special that I should be surprised to learn that I have cancer?"</i> It was one of the bravest moments among our many conversations over the next several years. Cancer sucks... and hope dwindles after a while... but maybe, one day... we can catch that ribbon and cheer. I hope this brings in a sizable donation. <b><i> -Erico </i></b> </p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-40285354019926808392024-03-24T15:05:00.000-07:002024-03-24T15:05:15.687-07:00<p><i><b> Reaching...</b></i></p><p><i><b><br /></b></i></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks3BYmkJI5lBkiYl24ifyZGHADrqDJI3ETgLSixQhzxtRYVDukHSO67mxQfmyT_LMT7lyopxqzsUvi9Q9D07vRTirBrm2GPeBvANnXlt3CSwBuYrkUwf7eV_SrMHlJ12NYHyfZ9qrAJPsvHGIJczqC-5s_LTDWdUTmVfCzMhbseZWpPHb_ws2tmYyF3vF/s866/Reach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="680" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhks3BYmkJI5lBkiYl24ifyZGHADrqDJI3ETgLSixQhzxtRYVDukHSO67mxQfmyT_LMT7lyopxqzsUvi9Q9D07vRTirBrm2GPeBvANnXlt3CSwBuYrkUwf7eV_SrMHlJ12NYHyfZ9qrAJPsvHGIJczqC-5s_LTDWdUTmVfCzMhbseZWpPHb_ws2tmYyF3vF/w264-h337/Reach.jpg" width="264" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Reach" (acylics, 16x20")</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Aren't we always reaching for something? As far back as I can remember, I struggle with the idea of being satisfied. Is there ever a time when we know we've done enough, we've been enough, we've shared enough, or ... we've had enough? I've learned to cope with the dissatisfaction, the yearning for more. But the reach is still there. <i>-Erico</i> </p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-83137074482266062192024-03-04T22:51:00.000-08:002024-03-04T22:51:41.488-08:00<p><b><i> Peaceful Ruler... <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxmu_EqrdrTjri9C6nXS4gjn0IvTYKX4eFYyyxoX_vew3zcjGwmnPCUgIUWHtvE0C6X5P9-CWdLzekPE-bPzRD05qcCY7wnjRjh0zUYkdKrSV8gX6OjbLlhXMwVcTFkew6hspLl1NKrwlhMGoZj9g6-La4K7o9DB7sM0OO5t5Z8-ktHmxWe9YsP7-bHK2/s1302/Peaceful%20Ruler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1302" data-original-width="1080" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxmu_EqrdrTjri9C6nXS4gjn0IvTYKX4eFYyyxoX_vew3zcjGwmnPCUgIUWHtvE0C6X5P9-CWdLzekPE-bPzRD05qcCY7wnjRjh0zUYkdKrSV8gX6OjbLlhXMwVcTFkew6hspLl1NKrwlhMGoZj9g6-La4K7o9DB7sM0OO5t5Z8-ktHmxWe9YsP7-bHK2/w299-h361/Peaceful%20Ruler.jpg" width="299" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Peaceful Ruler" (acrylics, 36x48") </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></i></b></p><p>I was challenged by Carol Christ to make something LARGE for the upcoming June exhibit, "Out of Our Minds." I worked this very large canvas for a few days... and absolutely love the results! A lot of great feedback came from those who saw the piece in my Decada exhibit. I am extremely proud of this piece... and it made me realize how far I have come in twelve years of painting. <i> -Erico</i></p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-3317809941244644642024-01-29T09:17:00.000-08:002024-03-24T15:00:42.538-07:00<p><b><i> The Rogues Artists Group....</i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_4sL33CC1bvIW7T0DUObgrFRsVpOuip5cHNCzZop2C88I9hPfpAV6t9pSKY8kODZtIUVX8IX7JlVmPe2J298hfu6Il8YhB931g0f6TcriBysKun3YT6cmBbyQMb6DJuULaH7vQV-WrusBsGvsRuCYTV9DxhjOTxnTXlZ9IjkJtXMTwfvibJMjyHQgSiF/s1409/Natural%20Shock.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1409" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_4sL33CC1bvIW7T0DUObgrFRsVpOuip5cHNCzZop2C88I9hPfpAV6t9pSKY8kODZtIUVX8IX7JlVmPe2J298hfu6Il8YhB931g0f6TcriBysKun3YT6cmBbyQMb6DJuULaH7vQV-WrusBsGvsRuCYTV9DxhjOTxnTXlZ9IjkJtXMTwfvibJMjyHQgSiF/w349-h267/Natural%20Shock.jpg" width="349" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural Shocks (soft pastels, 11x14")</td></tr></tbody></table><b><i><br /></i></b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFbASpHUVqml1hGOKeB3tl_50bMOdDefjtWa-IHQ24-d3e-Z4_PV1NtVKT2cYmClp2BQOVAIjpuRP-tg7HNoA5uVxqT5e0n6zzuVGwmnd16nAKPIG3Of7W-HxrgBAUOdS09R1YO-mswQSa6KTUvn7maohNA6b1_mESC4kyfA-jDSgUZMEB3xNdXGZZdHy/s1380/Mindful%20Vineyard.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="1080" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaFbASpHUVqml1hGOKeB3tl_50bMOdDefjtWa-IHQ24-d3e-Z4_PV1NtVKT2cYmClp2BQOVAIjpuRP-tg7HNoA5uVxqT5e0n6zzuVGwmnd16nAKPIG3Of7W-HxrgBAUOdS09R1YO-mswQSa6KTUvn7maohNA6b1_mESC4kyfA-jDSgUZMEB3xNdXGZZdHy/w273-h349/Mindful%20Vineyard.jpg" width="273" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Mindful Vineyard (soft pastels, 11x14")</span><br style="text-align: start;" /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiA_BMZfd17FPxedf7AotW90DoTMqYWeUo7BzcreUElhnIgbVJ9a-PYfwnZH1V-z3LawtedtFK8h1YXcPRBELdyBTG0idqe_rAw2fc4G0yIXrujlEQ1m8UXDo1kkY_QgDUmopCqbUcR70Ms0NaQaGWi5WCECZEnb5LV0-2crTo1z4bGUvlguEYcjQYbD1B/s1041/Green%20Envy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="853" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiA_BMZfd17FPxedf7AotW90DoTMqYWeUo7BzcreUElhnIgbVJ9a-PYfwnZH1V-z3LawtedtFK8h1YXcPRBELdyBTG0idqe_rAw2fc4G0yIXrujlEQ1m8UXDo1kkY_QgDUmopCqbUcR70Ms0NaQaGWi5WCECZEnb5LV0-2crTo1z4bGUvlguEYcjQYbD1B/s320/Green%20Envy.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Envy (soft pastels, 16x20")<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The February exhibit of the Rogues Artists Group at Inspiration Studios is entitled <b><i>Out Of Our Minds</i></b> and features approximately 20 artists with a wide variety of mediums. Based on what they have seen of my art during other exhibits, and a couple of awards that I received, I was asked to join their crusade. I was hesitant, but these pieces certainly do appear to be reflections of a mind gone wild.... or at a minimum, frustrated beyond belief! We'll see where this leads. <b><i>-Erico</i></b></p><br />Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-43129147872085669182023-12-27T23:07:00.000-08:002023-12-27T23:11:33.312-08:00<p><i><b>Birds on a Wire...</b></i></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwV8n-Rz1GBOBMRF4Qkf2SEWjE-rq36Nf-uT_8EGCTIihkeRh7nCgBMgPZ1itcTVj9oDmKxXnT4RAPkR6IGbs8Jk09cksQ68AOstwEmK2WUxH1sFJyAAjRKGeOJt4X_C2yIsKyiBWSESHAwhKRuq4fJXvnNq2Y02xI7VHCUCYSNr4xgz-jVAJLOoYETHl-/s4160/BIrds%20on%20a%20Wire.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2926" data-original-width="4160" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwV8n-Rz1GBOBMRF4Qkf2SEWjE-rq36Nf-uT_8EGCTIihkeRh7nCgBMgPZ1itcTVj9oDmKxXnT4RAPkR6IGbs8Jk09cksQ68AOstwEmK2WUxH1sFJyAAjRKGeOJt4X_C2yIsKyiBWSESHAwhKRuq4fJXvnNq2Y02xI7VHCUCYSNr4xgz-jVAJLOoYETHl-/w311-h218/BIrds%20on%20a%20Wire.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds on a Wire (watercolor, 5x7")</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Worked on this during several trips... just playing poolside... never thinking it would become anything. Once matted and in a simple black frame, it became a Christmas gift for Casey. </p><p><i><br /></i></p><br />Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-25658767793758623352023-08-02T13:37:00.008-07:002023-08-02T13:42:23.521-07:00<p><b><i> Off Kilter...</i></b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ohJhKi81zmbTBbOetIWDnivrlU_4km8w4GYr67v6C1P-xIhfAOj-nID-Bhl9GC1Hsk712xGFXlR6Z4he2HobHgPjl0rg_d30cHDsslQiec-XeQY8C9ED4qRWyWIvP3qjj06Eqzk1fLsZIRKxB5fCuj5aim6q6ZuUYHXs4rP7bzSMVgfHjhvmuC3FOWxc/s1110/Off%20Kilter%20piece.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ohJhKi81zmbTBbOetIWDnivrlU_4km8w4GYr67v6C1P-xIhfAOj-nID-Bhl9GC1Hsk712xGFXlR6Z4he2HobHgPjl0rg_d30cHDsslQiec-XeQY8C9ED4qRWyWIvP3qjj06Eqzk1fLsZIRKxB5fCuj5aim6q6ZuUYHXs4rP7bzSMVgfHjhvmuC3FOWxc/s320/Off%20Kilter%20piece.jpg" width="311" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Lean" (acrylics, 20x20")</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The Martini Girls always challenge me. This piece will be part of their exhibit titled OFF KILTER at the Art*Bar with an opening on September 1, 2023. It's always fun to be challenged by a specific theme. <b><i>-Erico</i></b>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-80705370745145205732023-05-19T11:54:00.000-07:002023-05-19T11:54:00.982-07:00<p><b><i> Paddygrass Irish Band...</i></b></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhvA4ipCTYQTl1e00Z6ZNCWzHnbsqwCoqQ2t-iHwPI5EBciCCL993INBb_oLOE9QriYh5buXij9nWUaW6pD9a0YShk8F-PJcnW45tdRr86MiPa5zwsZ7HdV2vrA8iAgSKruBQ5duQSTpzc0PvlLqusAu8Q9v8-K1EyWNQzwEdLMtmp2jDuY3ayZeVxg/s1060/Ribbons2%20-%20Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1035" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhvA4ipCTYQTl1e00Z6ZNCWzHnbsqwCoqQ2t-iHwPI5EBciCCL993INBb_oLOE9QriYh5buXij9nWUaW6pD9a0YShk8F-PJcnW45tdRr86MiPa5zwsZ7HdV2vrA8iAgSKruBQ5duQSTpzc0PvlLqusAu8Q9v8-K1EyWNQzwEdLMtmp2jDuY3ayZeVxg/s320/Ribbons2%20-%20Copy.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ribbons" (acrylic, 30x30")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3kfk8ibDEaMTZxsv-XUDQ154uvNv2u9uDN1xpUxCj58QZJlc5JiDTZrRE7_UiCh3bc2rtRtbuLI1oy9BIFveqLo9MaO_gOswWP_3xFojtbmnqQz4rF5V8GYubpURDAyPWyHi6SanznP9_FMIBjEfu_uCAdoRYtSyEu_UWJXuPRUYx4bDHwTOgOMPOQ/s1060/Ribbons5%20-%20Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1035" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3kfk8ibDEaMTZxsv-XUDQ154uvNv2u9uDN1xpUxCj58QZJlc5JiDTZrRE7_UiCh3bc2rtRtbuLI1oy9BIFveqLo9MaO_gOswWP_3xFojtbmnqQz4rF5V8GYubpURDAyPWyHi6SanznP9_FMIBjEfu_uCAdoRYtSyEu_UWJXuPRUYx4bDHwTOgOMPOQ/s320/Ribbons5%20-%20Copy.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ribbons" (photoshop version with curls)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Last summer, Derek Byrne asked me to create an art piece for the next Paddygrass band album cover. I struggled for months trying to come up with something that would engulf the idea of ribbons in a Celtic way. Using one of the traditional Celtic tree images, I painted the original "Ribbons" and realized it needed more. Playing with a Corel Photoshop feature, I stumbled upon the curls... and I love it! I'm anxious to see how it looks on the next CD jacket. <b><i>-Erico </i></b></p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-17981628922333243312023-05-19T11:43:00.002-07:002023-05-19T11:54:39.788-07:00<p> Waukesha Civic Theatre....</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwtqH2ZPeTW9D0LTr03BfQ3ohF43Qzm7FngA3RO14ELIMMhI0q6CpjGbuX8uejdNwS1VIY-B0hlbW07a5RHZ2DER0vpRgLPFWW-qJ5H0Tj9mFFVz-03dw7aLpz6U__-0XDfcAalrk7rPdpKC6YzMHVaStdG25Ym-U8XiGptGa_qpK9N3FO84iWB5czA/s3110/Orange%20Poppies.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3110" data-original-width="1071" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwtqH2ZPeTW9D0LTr03BfQ3ohF43Qzm7FngA3RO14ELIMMhI0q6CpjGbuX8uejdNwS1VIY-B0hlbW07a5RHZ2DER0vpRgLPFWW-qJ5H0Tj9mFFVz-03dw7aLpz6U__-0XDfcAalrk7rPdpKC6YzMHVaStdG25Ym-U8XiGptGa_qpK9N3FO84iWB5czA/w156-h454/Orange%20Poppies.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Orange Poppies" (acrylic on wood panel, 12x30")<br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>The second piece created for the fundraising event at Waukesha Civic Theatre. I am sometimes surprised by what I can accomplish if I set my mind to it. This was my first full painting on wood... and I like how it turned out. Hopefully others will enjoy it as much and that it will sell at a decent price to help support the many great events at WCT. <i>-Erico</i>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-72670521791014469152023-05-19T11:40:00.001-07:002023-05-19T11:40:23.778-07:00<p><i><b> Waukesha Civic Theatre...</b></i></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUTOIjWe8ewEUSLr9xC8xhcUI8tvbjqqjH3LYHNB7sRo1BGd3SWCuPWf_eb0zmWZaX542b8ArYZ40t-5TXWykkYNkLoL_G5Uppe-PNITErAzaIoFyZ9CTrh46R5n19BdTBySjdOTSqCBX2vM-2-dwulY1-bQCJeqdjeXNj5IoAdsg8SgDUyH8AZ-2gw/s1367/Birch%20Trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUTOIjWe8ewEUSLr9xC8xhcUI8tvbjqqjH3LYHNB7sRo1BGd3SWCuPWf_eb0zmWZaX542b8ArYZ40t-5TXWykkYNkLoL_G5Uppe-PNITErAzaIoFyZ9CTrh46R5n19BdTBySjdOTSqCBX2vM-2-dwulY1-bQCJeqdjeXNj5IoAdsg8SgDUyH8AZ-2gw/s320/Birch%20Trees.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Birch Trees" (acrylic, 16x20")</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Waukesha Civic Theatre has welcomed me with open arms. I am making my directorial debut with a charming play called BLOOM. I have the perfect cast and am thrilled to cooperate in whatever ways I can to the theatre. "Birch Trees" was created as a donation piece for a silent auction fundraiser taking place this weekend. It's one of three donated pieces of art I created for the event. Hopefully it will bring in a nice profit to support all the projects that take place at WCT. <i><b>-Erico</b></i></p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-51308207398557365262022-08-28T08:49:00.003-07:002022-08-28T08:51:19.499-07:00<p> One Off...</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi--2ZFWaSwz9iwKHTb3nkvMQEKDbIahocktETtysPu1qh0yhTr8v6RoEdeNFmr3ziKMvlyhZSNjAjFyotqw0coSIHzR5gvNUSNWiWJljcjD3cTV3pcotJQPrdiTAaAYcxjk9SSxy9w9yZ6s0UyVYcixyFwyWG9cjiI5YKHWWGqAnCbcob9tA9jBXS3lA/s1011/The%20Pack.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="1011" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi--2ZFWaSwz9iwKHTb3nkvMQEKDbIahocktETtysPu1qh0yhTr8v6RoEdeNFmr3ziKMvlyhZSNjAjFyotqw0coSIHzR5gvNUSNWiWJljcjD3cTV3pcotJQPrdiTAaAYcxjk9SSxy9w9yZ6s0UyVYcixyFwyWG9cjiI5YKHWWGqAnCbcob9tA9jBXS3lA/w337-h248/The%20Pack.jpg" width="337" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>"The Pack"</i> (pen,ink,watercolor / 12x14")</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The Martini Girls have invited me to participate in their annual art exhibit at the Art*Bar entitled "One Off." Creating something in a style that I would probably never do again was quite the trick. But a trip to Florida allowed me the opportunity to play poolside. "The Pack" was the final result.</p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-5023969573005921732021-11-13T19:20:00.002-08:002021-11-13T19:21:04.594-08:00<p><b><i>Watercolor Fun!</i></b> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFW-sZMGdGcUm6BjlUKL91Tnr3SNwSrdK9QDJYhkPm6yhixCxec33cgGRqi_4m0zPOqvGmk7GR1-pVhRicagaFld9b_Wwtx9FAHWw9z20dJ8X2rOfYNfjg7eE1k1ZStsnmCt5O4QGhJR6/s2048/Chicago+watercolor+faces.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1663" data-original-width="2048" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFW-sZMGdGcUm6BjlUKL91Tnr3SNwSrdK9QDJYhkPm6yhixCxec33cgGRqi_4m0zPOqvGmk7GR1-pVhRicagaFld9b_Wwtx9FAHWw9z20dJ8X2rOfYNfjg7eE1k1ZStsnmCt5O4QGhJR6/w367-h298/Chicago+watercolor+faces.jpg" width="367" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Watercolor Fun" (watercolor, 8x10")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Chicago always poses some interesting opportunities for me. Sitting in my hotel room on a cold, dark night, I decided to pull out watercolor paints and begin to play. Random ideas of distorted faces and shapes became the influences for these five paintings. It was whimsical fun. -Erico</p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-84489153724328922012021-08-16T20:22:00.009-07:002021-09-01T10:22:09.375-07:00<p><i><b> Minimalism?</b></i></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW10L0zYbTMjrHZFF1F8zX9WlQ_6cUn07xKu_igLfXkim8eIbcjQotH2mIHAub8m6Uz2hnNKAqkqHEGkW45zkgFEedxw2Xu-hhyPp6jknX8LzaSqCvDOeUexHgBLARhOKj_B-t1eI9VWa_/s1407/Moonlit+Hearts+of+Palm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1407" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW10L0zYbTMjrHZFF1F8zX9WlQ_6cUn07xKu_igLfXkim8eIbcjQotH2mIHAub8m6Uz2hnNKAqkqHEGkW45zkgFEedxw2Xu-hhyPp6jknX8LzaSqCvDOeUexHgBLARhOKj_B-t1eI9VWa_/w376-h277/Moonlit+Hearts+of+Palm.jpg" width="376" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Moonlit Hearts of Palm" (acrylic, 16x20")</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Creating a piece that exists in one's mind and doesn't really connect to reality... is something I strive to achieve rather often. This piece will be exhibited at the Art*Bar with the Martini Girls in a show titled "Not So Much." I enjoy these challenges to create from within, to put the images of my mind's eye onto a canvas. This piece was fun to create.<p></p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-39223685569428487992021-07-18T22:46:00.005-07:002021-07-20T07:17:22.267-07:00<p> <i><b>Commissioned work...</b></i></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3OfJt-Wnq13d710UKbHul-3s0JS6n0EW6C3RESf5Z324nDECdwSso2euCypwVdT4BXiGOoSEZBHcg3cgLYKWQprk3F30e0ViMJSuqvMOrJ5iEXwXNPkH4P7THLORrjRlRuyR6tCkuppQ/s2105/Bomba%2521+2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2105" data-original-width="2076" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK3OfJt-Wnq13d710UKbHul-3s0JS6n0EW6C3RESf5Z324nDECdwSso2euCypwVdT4BXiGOoSEZBHcg3cgLYKWQprk3F30e0ViMJSuqvMOrJ5iEXwXNPkH4P7THLORrjRlRuyR6tCkuppQ/w364-h368/Bomba%2521+2.JPG" width="364" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Bomba!" (acrylic, 36x36")</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>MKEDowntown commissioned me to paint live at Red Arrow Park on Saturday, July 17. The intent of their grant is to support more art creation and exposure in the downtown area. It was a perfect day to paint outside. Many people stopped to ask questions and to comment on my progress. Calling upon my Puerto Rican roots, the dancer is performing a Bomba dance, influenced by the drums and movements of African slaves brought to the island in the 1500s. Traditionally done in white dress, some dances have bursts of color. My hope was to play with movement. Struggling to do just that, I restarted this piece three times before settling on the image above. As a result, what should have been a one-day painting activity, ended up taking me into the next day. Hopefully I achieved a bit of cultural representation. It was a pleasure to create this piece which will be auctioned off during a fundraiser of the Milwaukee Downtown BID to raise funds for a local homeless shelter. <i><b>-Erico</b></i><p></p><p><br /></p><br />Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-35077010031822650222021-07-02T08:19:00.002-07:002021-07-09T09:29:14.084-07:00<p><i><b>Heartbreak... </b></i></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fVZn80SVLQfC-AIqWeXDisykW32dgU6dG3pKvPruMrybulFZR_tqy9ctfiG1cazlJLHI2C96yh9d1kmlggdlLl8-IdxUScBEZpkAj4K-Zi_vVEbhxrRjxeFlhSmBhp7KhHFHqOdrelRx/s2526/Noeh+Coming+Home.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2526" data-original-width="1245" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fVZn80SVLQfC-AIqWeXDisykW32dgU6dG3pKvPruMrybulFZR_tqy9ctfiG1cazlJLHI2C96yh9d1kmlggdlLl8-IdxUScBEZpkAj4K-Zi_vVEbhxrRjxeFlhSmBhp7KhHFHqOdrelRx/w211-h428/Noeh+Coming+Home.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"Noeh...Going Home" (acrylic, 12x24")</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Sometimes the sadness takes over. Sometimes the agony is so strong that it can destroy a person. This tragic loss of an innocent child at the tender age of 3 just broke my heart. I was brought to tears when I read that the first-born of a long-time acquaintance was found lifeless one March morning. Rightfully so, his parents are still reeling from the loss. My heart goes out to them. I saw a photo of the dad, Luis, tossing his little boy in the air. It was posted by the mom, Michelle, as part of her tribute to her wonderful husband and father of Noeh. It broke me! I was compelled to paint that image... with all its interpretations. It is a celebratory piece, full of life and anguish, playfulness and regret, joy and sorrow. My heart cries for this broken family. Here's to Luis and Michelle Rivera who continue to celebrate the life of their boy, along with his two little sisters. May Noeh's memory never fade. He is in a new home. 💔 <i>-Erico</i><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XzZOzAZUy3CjzZJcs96gvd70TGjSxlXdyRw0zgi_droQPlLWcZdNnHH2e3qf5GmQpPj4lpUAClJpyiW0D06NkBLZp-LeA7U4JkfEFeKAqa784P6KDJBJQMYVs28esL4bjajtijZr4UkZ/s960/Luis+%2526+Noeh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="766" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2XzZOzAZUy3CjzZJcs96gvd70TGjSxlXdyRw0zgi_droQPlLWcZdNnHH2e3qf5GmQpPj4lpUAClJpyiW0D06NkBLZp-LeA7U4JkfEFeKAqa784P6KDJBJQMYVs28esL4bjajtijZr4UkZ/w209-h262/Luis+%2526+Noeh.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><br />Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-65478960609481267572021-06-29T13:33:00.001-07:002021-06-29T13:36:47.377-07:00<p><b><i>A Tribute...</i></b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKrDhTdAw_P1Q33J3fem2XhH2EaOKIQQB7wGTWO1mWJwoh67LrcL9Wl571gAp4JgPJSDvGYn_kISqTXdoNhXRonjLdCVWbraoJAQcH6BLNN2KDU5vbf8KpX2CmHKrJQjLAjQflhvnQrPI/s1766/Short+Drunken+Players.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1766" data-original-width="1435" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKrDhTdAw_P1Q33J3fem2XhH2EaOKIQQB7wGTWO1mWJwoh67LrcL9Wl571gAp4JgPJSDvGYn_kISqTXdoNhXRonjLdCVWbraoJAQcH6BLNN2KDU5vbf8KpX2CmHKrJQjLAjQflhvnQrPI/w298-h366/Short+Drunken+Players.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Short Drunken Players" (acrylic, 20x30")</td></tr></tbody></table><br />This was a tribute to Evvie Smith+, Rosie Peterson, and JudyLee Tarbox+ who were faithful members of Village Playhouse. Working from a photo that was sent to me about two years ago by Rosie, I worked on this piece for two years and finally finished it in April. It was quite the challenge, especially trying to figure out how to represent the lovely, lively faces of these spirited women. The painting now lives with Rosie in her new home in Lake Delton, Wisconsin. <b><i>-Erico</i></b><p></p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-82308638235105867712021-06-28T09:32:00.005-07:002021-06-28T09:32:41.667-07:00<p> <b><i>"Water, water everywhere... and ne'er a drop to drink!"</i></b></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2FHML6mAI_NrbC2xSPXodddPERuyj3dTJXPiHrPld-_xWzQoLRVkkpksggk_eHgGsVQ9sf-0j1D_ngeoIfSuy1bMa7iUE4WAo3k3gvfjMBNRMPRKzmbI9fBPC14aYuR_KbH5Lvhp51GC/s1440/Moonlit+Sails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2FHML6mAI_NrbC2xSPXodddPERuyj3dTJXPiHrPld-_xWzQoLRVkkpksggk_eHgGsVQ9sf-0j1D_ngeoIfSuy1bMa7iUE4WAo3k3gvfjMBNRMPRKzmbI9fBPC14aYuR_KbH5Lvhp51GC/w345-h345/Moonlit+Sails.jpg" width="345" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Moonlit Sails" (acrylics, 20x20")</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I recall seeing a play in high school where two men were stuck in a boat. I recall the line quoted above. This was almost 50 years ago! My memory of the past is something else! But then I can't necessarily remember what I had for dinner last night. It's part of life. It's part of growing older. I am drawn to water. I love watching boats, especially sailboats. I love jet skis and kayaks. I think of water skiing and wonder why it never worked for me. But mostly, I wish I knew how to swim. <b><i>-Erico</i></b></p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-38945711342404879042021-06-28T09:24:00.006-07:002021-07-20T07:16:34.136-07:00<p><i><b> Defeat? But why?</b></i></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9vBbjJKutq8ONPPUz_yC2r0WTAI4NPMUlGs5vy4xkA3QuAHZeXfICQuFh2E1zB4SQc-kzmyPgkck2gN0q4dwfy-VVzfseDlCb4wA3ogdJUDMQqSkjFsbaobtbYf12vPD4rIFZEXb-npe/s2048/Defeated.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1631" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb9vBbjJKutq8ONPPUz_yC2r0WTAI4NPMUlGs5vy4xkA3QuAHZeXfICQuFh2E1zB4SQc-kzmyPgkck2gN0q4dwfy-VVzfseDlCb4wA3ogdJUDMQqSkjFsbaobtbYf12vPD4rIFZEXb-npe/w271-h340/Defeated.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"Defeated" (acrylic, 16x20")<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Sometimes... just sometimes... this is the feeling that overcomes us. I am profoundly moved at times by the spirit that prevents us from giving in to the sense of defeat. Life is precious. Life is so short. I learn that every day. I don't want to feel defeated. I don't want to shy away from the feelings either, because maybe then I'm just ignoring something that my body and nature and the world is trying to say. When defeat comes my way, I hope to fight back... always! <b><i>-Erico</i></b><p></p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-60702546225040249482021-06-06T12:45:00.003-07:002021-06-06T12:45:17.674-07:00<p><b><i> A day of water and sun...</i></b></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZh_QGdNczhPianagG5UrA2mXPxPI0WyAqF_Utr1Lq1CLNnTgR53Nh4IgLc4nohDYySfgDfXPEAOOKJhf2NvDSGSNQAAUnj35Zw7rPyHBPtYN9wWYPISQ_PKcY5NxEjQMfugfkdlEL6UNK/s1440/Lost+at+Sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZh_QGdNczhPianagG5UrA2mXPxPI0WyAqF_Utr1Lq1CLNnTgR53Nh4IgLc4nohDYySfgDfXPEAOOKJhf2NvDSGSNQAAUnj35Zw7rPyHBPtYN9wWYPISQ_PKcY5NxEjQMfugfkdlEL6UNK/w400-h400/Lost+at+Sea.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Lost at Sea" (acrylic, 20x20")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqkH0dH8YhGzHGt54Fd_Hy_JNO8IDrKf9g7olaZt8M_ZIlQSlZKjflmkjOvGPwY-nzIBiR9R0jxR80S86KASWJexgcdBpX8yPvUtDStbDOmayXVxx5UEFHzSbgddNgJ-owRsN7YRnMpBo/s1440/By+the+Light+of+the+Silvery+Moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqkH0dH8YhGzHGt54Fd_Hy_JNO8IDrKf9g7olaZt8M_ZIlQSlZKjflmkjOvGPwY-nzIBiR9R0jxR80S86KASWJexgcdBpX8yPvUtDStbDOmayXVxx5UEFHzSbgddNgJ-owRsN7YRnMpBo/w400-h400/By+the+Light+of+the+Silvery+Moon.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"By The Light of the Silvery Moon" (acrylic, 20x20")</td></tr></tbody></table><br />June 5 was a glorious, hot Saturday! I needed to be inspired. Sitting near the water docks of Lake Michigan provided a plethora of inspiration! These two paintings were created among the quiet, friendly hustle and bustle of people enjoying wind and water, drinks and dining. I thoroughly enjoyed explaining to adults and children alike what I was creating. One family joined me, after receiving some art supplies at Milwaukee Art Museum, with two of their young, very intrigued children by sitting with me and asking how to draw a birch tree. What began as a quick little exchange turned into a full blown art lesson, finished of by a completed acrylic painting on paper or a colorful birch. It was truly an enjoyable afternoon! <b><i>-Erico</i></b><br /><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-45861248393219146292021-05-25T21:59:00.006-07:002021-07-20T07:31:16.561-07:00<p> <b><i>Take Hold....</i></b></p><p><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawEstIywQjdPS3yf7bcvPh3xOOKmIW9uaMcJX65hiwOm1DN7Ij0nq5aI02DfxlNHVw2QMe1vuIH9n47YomqQBP62OPJ9lXtQ86if2JS7ei5NlyZNusjVzv0UU8vc82UarzJIEJKFTLtkc/s2048/Take+Hold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2033" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawEstIywQjdPS3yf7bcvPh3xOOKmIW9uaMcJX65hiwOm1DN7Ij0nq5aI02DfxlNHVw2QMe1vuIH9n47YomqQBP62OPJ9lXtQ86if2JS7ei5NlyZNusjVzv0UU8vc82UarzJIEJKFTLtkc/s320/Take+Hold.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Take Hold" (acrylic, 20x20")</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></b></p>I'm enjoying this play with color, used in non-traditional ways. This may turn into a series... reaching, touching, holding, etc.<b style="font-style: italic;"> -Erico</b><p></p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-71178344796903881752021-05-20T00:36:00.008-07:002021-07-20T07:35:17.957-07:00<p><b><i> The challenging times...</i></b></p><p><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3sPffE4CZnNkYOOn0eY-8pWSaT9nurDvDKNochg7ljgTC99Ti3ez4FyLipqIGOk72QsKg6-FQsDB7ZwJCGqnxkKyJBIZuXCYBhw5M-fy5-yzqBAWv5w6InKPyjwYijC9EBwk57yHZkuN/s3607/1+Ortiz+I+Got+You+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3607" data-original-width="872" height="722" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3sPffE4CZnNkYOOn0eY-8pWSaT9nurDvDKNochg7ljgTC99Ti3ez4FyLipqIGOk72QsKg6-FQsDB7ZwJCGqnxkKyJBIZuXCYBhw5M-fy5-yzqBAWv5w6InKPyjwYijC9EBwk57yHZkuN/w173-h722/1+Ortiz+I+Got+You+%25282%2529.jpg" width="173" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I Got You"(acrylic, 12x48")</td></tr></tbody></table></b></p><br />These are definitely trying times for all of us. I hope I've expressed the best sentiment here. Life is hard. Hope and compassion are needed. I hope I'm living up to the title of this piece. <i><b>-Erico</b></i><p></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-91076489487440630832021-05-10T12:43:00.002-07:002021-05-10T12:43:25.443-07:00<p><b><i> Painting Poppies...</i></b></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9MlA09TaJTXbVhz8Kz-63mAJAjTcnZIjMciGVY-hpDX9gFCnF-akqb5SwEhHxZDOGWFeOJfjU2fPCNaoUtGelBZNmsqFFexCDb1G5JeLnOMMVe9fSneMCgeJ789NpM0ADECDYDY5jIMs/s2048/20210510_140347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1641" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9MlA09TaJTXbVhz8Kz-63mAJAjTcnZIjMciGVY-hpDX9gFCnF-akqb5SwEhHxZDOGWFeOJfjU2fPCNaoUtGelBZNmsqFFexCDb1G5JeLnOMMVe9fSneMCgeJ789NpM0ADECDYDY5jIMs/s320/20210510_140347.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Blue Poppies" (acrylic, 16x20)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Painting Parties are fun at Inspiration Studios. While teaching others to create their version of a field of poppies, I created this piece. It was fun. I'm learning how my communication style can impact what others create. This may be a life lesson, applicable to other aspects of my interactions with others. In this case, the results of the painting party (paint n sip) were quite spectacular and so much fun! View them at inspirationstudiosgallery.com. <i>-Erico</i></p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-22416256616802739602021-05-02T01:06:00.002-07:002021-05-02T01:06:54.652-07:00<p><b><i>Poppies...</i></b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5qL6ZWbL-GSJ8-RLs2Wq0PkyjKDFxXtz_HNsSXHaNnyKJNJI_xnCWi8TtRNWIIOFEHkzwRX7lYL5jI0I5K6szBVXtSeGbYo_-RHe_vU0vUR96WlyNFV9MfWzkoJ0NSjg0SrMulk5ps9l/s2048/PoppiesEO1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1636" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5qL6ZWbL-GSJ8-RLs2Wq0PkyjKDFxXtz_HNsSXHaNnyKJNJI_xnCWi8TtRNWIIOFEHkzwRX7lYL5jI0I5K6szBVXtSeGbYo_-RHe_vU0vUR96WlyNFV9MfWzkoJ0NSjg0SrMulk5ps9l/s320/PoppiesEO1.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Poppies" (acrylic, 16x")20</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I've been struggling to get inspired to paint. This was a fun project with the intention of creating something for an upcoming Paint 'n Sip party on Mother's Day. Hopefully it will lead to more creative expression. <b><i> -Erico</i></b><p></p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5851128425683344637.post-76071600353948972622020-12-30T10:30:00.006-08:002021-07-20T07:19:02.664-07:00<p><i><b> By Faith...</b></i></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Y7ZvNmpNX-2IBl8t3CxmV4kWX-Pf9-dv2HrLnnKdiyFXDzVMLiXCIHJNkkeNwenyqQwx9dvTqgK68rY7vDfqv3PfuaJM0nd1cy92HXpWas9O5MdZpKOxfOdpjBoqb5bnrD_yDQmJnyxs/s2048/By+Faith.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1620" data-original-width="2048" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Y7ZvNmpNX-2IBl8t3CxmV4kWX-Pf9-dv2HrLnnKdiyFXDzVMLiXCIHJNkkeNwenyqQwx9dvTqgK68rY7vDfqv3PfuaJM0nd1cy92HXpWas9O5MdZpKOxfOdpjBoqb5bnrD_yDQmJnyxs/w345-h272/By+Faith.jpg" width="345" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: normal;">"By Faith" (acrylics, 16x20")</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Inspired by the Christmas season, this faith-inspired painting is a gift for a friend Lucy, whose life has been challenged in so many ways the past few years. I pray for strength and peace. <i>-Erico</i><p></p>Erico Ortizhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04262822733362486116noreply@blogger.com0