Erico Ortiz: June 2021

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

A Tribute...

"Short Drunken Players" (acrylic, 20x30")

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. -Erico

Monday, June 28, 2021

"Water, water everywhere... and ne'er a drop to drink!"

"Moonlit Sails" (acrylics, 20x20")

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. -Erico

Defeat? But why?

"Defeated" (acrylic, 16x20")

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! -Erico

Sunday, June 6, 2021

A day of water and sun...

"Lost at Sea" (acrylic, 20x20")

"By The Light of the Silvery Moon" (acrylic, 20x20")

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! -Erico

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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.

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