Carol Ravantti-Lalla, Delray Beach, FL
Member Since December 2012
Artist Statement What I have submitted to imagekind is not any work I have done myself. I have submitted fine reproductions of the original 'Poker Series' of 1895. The each depict five men of the 1800's playing poker. The exciting twist is that each is of a different stature of men as well as environment. Although the Gilded Age was an era of enormous wealth from fortunes being made, monopolies, and lavish lifestyles, there were others who were not so fortunate and some even desperate. All the gents of the series are still all vying for the pot on the poker table, however.
As for myself, my father put a brush in my hand before a pencil so I have always loved to draw and paint. I was offered a full art scholarship while in high school in Long Island, New York. My European mother thought only Beatniks in Greenwich Village were artists and they were all starving so I wasn't allowed to accept it. Still, I continued painting and studying on my own and am now more of a weekend artist.
I love all types of art, culture and history. For this reason, when I first saw my friends old damaged lithographs from the 1800's, I said let me get them restored. The copyright is before 1923 which has expired. I found a wonderful restoration expert and the reproductions are amazing. I also write and illustrate children's books. I'm working on a sequel presently. I paint in a realist style ...with a wide range of subjects including landscaping and seascapes. I particularly enjoy painting nudes and animals. I've painted many on commission as well as murals and also enjoy faux painting. I have shown my work but at this time, I just need the time to paint more. I have also paint clothing and pillows as a lark - they turned out fantastic and was such fun.