Conversations with Laura Cruz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Cruz.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always had a passion for art, and enjoyed it as a hobby while I worked in marketing for the majority of my career. However, eight years ago I found myself in a toxic and unhealthy relationship that ended my career, friendships, and my self-confidence. Once I was able to leave I had nothing, just finding small jobs to get from day to day. In this uncertain and dark time, I rediscovered my passion for art. I drew, painted, whatever I could to make something new. Art began to take up my time and space, and bring healing. In 2017 I joined art communities and found galleries to show in. Currently, I work on commissions that center around pets and portraits that include some digital surprises. I also sell originals and prints.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Art, just like anything is a skill, and that can be incredibly frustrating. Learning to paint what I saw in my head was overwhelming and I didn’t know where to start.

Thankfully, YouTube and other online resources provide and endless source of information and tutorials that allow you to learn at your own pace. There have been some bumps in the road and I have many horrible pieces that either went to the garbage or will never see the light of day. I’ve learned that you can’t get discouraged, you just have to keep painting.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an oil painter who paints many subjects, focusing on people and animals. In terms of style I like to incorporate a bit of cartoony whimsy in realism.

I have enjoyed cultivated the technique of using oil paints over charcoal as it allows me to really capture the essence and personality of the subjects.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I am excited by this trend of art pushing the boundaries into immersive installations and VR and AR technology growing more accessible.

I aim to continue working on my Message Paintaings, a painting of a subject with a QR code that pulls photos from an album provided by the commissioner. I’m very excited about them and hope people will love theirs as much I love working on them.

Contact Info:

• Website: lauraeart.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/laura_elizabeth_art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artistlauraelizabeth