Check Out Tom Loranz’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tom Loranz.

Hi Tom, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As a kid, drawing was my escape to get me through the long school days. Early on I knew I wanted to pursue a creative career, and it has been my main focus since the late years of grade school. Took as many art classes as possible in high school, learning many different mediums. Spending most of the school days in the art department. I really loved ceramics and hand-developed photography.

2004 was when I first found my love for paint as a medium. I was using spray paint at the time and loved how permanent but forgiving it is. Anything can be covered up in an instant. It is a very satisfying, and diverse medium to work with. After high school, I took strictly only art classes at a community college. That is where I first learned to paint with oils. A medium I hope to revisit again.

From an early age, I thought tattooing would have been the most ideal career for me. From 2007-2012 I was focused on that type of work, and learning the craft. I took a long break from working with ink, but it may be something I can offer my clients again in the near future.

Around 2012 I decided to pursue painting more seriously, this time with acrylics.

In 2016 I got an offer to live-paint a concert in Chicago. Needless to say, I loved it. I have been live-painting events pretty consistently ever since. Everything from private art parties, to huge sold-out festivals. I have had the pleasure of live-painting, and featuring my work in a dozen US states so far. There is nothing like feeding off the vibe of a great event and putting that energy into a canvas.

Aside from live painting, I have been featured in two solo exhibitions in Chicago. Lateral Mindscapes @ Visual Sensum 2019 & Vernal Emergence @ Visual Sensum 2021.

In the last few years, my main focus has been murals and installments. I am just beginning to see the potential there. Re-learning to use spray paint all over again, where it began.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a long steady climb to get to this point, and I’m still climbing to get where I hope to be. It is the constant support and positive feedback that really keeps me going. There were a lot of social sacrifices I have made over the years to stay true to my passion. Gave up the comfort of having a consistent paycheck a long time ago. Had to move back to the suburbs with my folks. Never actually had a proper studio space outside of my small bedroom, but I have been making it work. Couldn’t be more grateful my parents, and friends have been pushing me to fulfill this dream.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work is heavily inspired by the patterns in nature. Fine details found in the microscopic reality, beyond our vision. Pure imaginative shapes, textures, and patterns developed in the moment. My process is based around the balance of contrast, flow, and structure. I really enjoy starting a piece with very loose, expressionistic brushstrokes. Developing some texture and color for my shapes to pop off of. Then finishing the piece with fine-lined details.

It is always a fun puzzle for me to create movement in the structure of a painting. A way to keep the eyes moving in a 3D way on these 2D images. I enjoy exploring different mediums and techniques. Not getting too repetitive while maintaining a style is a goal I keep at the forefront.

I’m told my style really shines through my flow, and focus on clean linework.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.TomLoranzArt.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/tomloranz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TomLoranz
• Twitter: twitter.com/TomLoranzArt

Image Credits
Lucas Ewing Photography (personal photo, & owl mural) Laura Oliveri – The Whimsical Libra (owl mural collaboration)