Today we’d like to introduce you to Gary Lovelace.
Hi Gary, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I began developing my skills as a child, inspired by the artwork of both my mother and grandfather who are both from Germany. I spent a lot of time as a child in Europe and the beauty and craftsmanship delighted my senses. I was mesmerized by the attention to detail and dedication to art found in every aspect of antiquity from the detailed lace of a Rococo cuff to the unseen tip of a cathedral’s spire. I was also Influenced further by the work of the masters, personal study in Europe, and constant exploration and experimentation, I cultivated a style that is evocative, unique, and ever-evolving. My primary goal is to bring paintings to life and leave viewers with a sense of heightened reality that goes beyond basic photorealism. I also have a mission of saving the art of portraiture. I grew up in Texas and later had a small art, mural, and wall finish business in San Antonio in the early 2000s that did really well when the Tuscan home craze was big. We did restaurants, high-end homes, and show houses. Then I decided to move to East Hampton, New York. There I worked and advanced my art career inspired by all the unique beauty, culture, and inspiring people of the Hamptons. After ten years, I was homesick for Texas and moved to Austin. Austin has been an amazing mix of Texas down home values but with an edge to it that keeps it fun and lively. I primarily paint portraits and murals on a commission basis but also find time to produce original pieces and do art restoration on occasion. I enjoyed teaching classes before Covid shut everything down and plan to start teaching again soon.
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 is seldom a smooth road but a road an artist can’t help but travel. In people’s minds art is a luxury not a necessity. I feel different. What would the world be like without art? But when it comes down to bills and pretty things people choose Living expenses. The economy is always fickle and there have been several ups and downs lately. It’s hard to know which direction it is going but I’m optimistic that we are on the path to recovery. The fact is, as an artist you never know if you are going to get that next commission but have to just trust and keep working. That next Commission always comes. I think that has been the hardest thing for me was letting go and trusting. We can get so bogged down in fear and doubt that it becomes way too easy to give up.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In the art world, there are so many different styles and ideals of what art should or should not be. I believe in all art. If someone is expressing themselves in a way that is true to their soul then they are doing the right thing. My style is more traditional in the sense that I enjoy the idea of capturing life in a way that actually looks alive and transports the viewer. I am sometimes blown away by the beauty that is around us. Not just in flowers and sunsets but sometimes a graffiti wall or a mop bucket sitting lonely in an alley. I see these things and am struck by them. I build scenes in my mind and develop them on canvas. I have practiced and experimented with techniques over the years that are unique in a subtle way. When you see the paintings in person they glow and feel alive. It is so hard to even show this in images of them.
When I paint a portrait, I try to capture not just the likeness of the subject but the emotion. I add a depth that is evoking. I like to spend time learning about the subject and build that into the narrative of the portrait. My best work is when I can truly touch their heart. When first I unveil the painting and they simply get lost in it and not say a word. That is the best feeling.
Contact Info:
- Email: garylovelaceart@gmail.com
- Website: garylovelace.com
- Instagram: garylovelaceart
- Facebook: @garylovelaceart
