Lori Luthy
With a M.F.A. in Painting from Bradley University, Lori captures subject matter from people, ordinary objects, nature and the unexpected. Her preferred medium is oil, but she also works with watercolor, acrylics, mixed media, paper mache, pastel, graphite, collage, charcoal and clay/ceramics. She prefers bright colors and more object-oriented themes, and her styles range from gestural to detailed.
Lori’s work has been accepted into a number of juried art shows, including: SkyArt Peoria, Women’s Works in Woodstock, Illinois, The Peoria Art Guild Nude Attitude Show, Best of Peoria at the Waynar Gallery in Chicago, Illinois, Best of Bradley in Junction Gallery, and What Matters Most sponsored by Commerce Bank. She has won a number of awards including Best of Show in the Peoria Art Guild Members’ Show, 2018 and 2020, Best of Show in opaque watercolor at ICC, an Honorable Mention in Delectable in Norfolk, VA, and First Place in Electricite: Illuminating Perspectives at the Peoria Women’s Club. Her work is represented in art collections around the country.
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The simplistic images of Georgia O’Keeffe; Edward Hopper’s sense of isolation; and Jim Dine’s versatility are Lori’s main influences. But, most of all, Wayne Thiebaud’s work inspires her with his use of bold colors and technique of halation which makes the pieces he creates almost vibrate.
Vivid color is instrumental in her work. She prefers mixing colors on the canvas as well as using unconventional combinations. Collage is sometimes unnoticeable, hidden in an obscure shadow or minor detail. Simple objects are most often featured. Pears, a carryover from graduate studies, take on anthropomorphic qualities — they become almost human.
She hopes viewers come away with a smile on their faces and a new appreciation for the ordinary.
Artist Statement
I like to paint simplified objects so viewers will take the time to look at them, images of ordinary things that people see or use daily, but don’t think about much. Sometimes a bit of collage may be incorporated into the painting, almost undetectable. Vivid color is a must for me. My studio is conveniently located in my house, so when the mood hits me, I can take advantage of the moment.
Armani Pear
Armani Pear
At Ease
At Ease
Big Red One
Big Red One
Cartier Pear
Cartier Pear
Coach’s Shoes
Coach’s Shoes
Country Club Shoes
Country Club Shoes
Crushed
Crushed
Tom’s Irises
Tom’s Irises
String of Pears
String of Pears
Stacked
Stacked
Rows of Pears
Rows of Pears
Pear of Cheap Sunglasses
Pear of Cheap Sunglasses
Hill of Beans
Hill of Beans
Fred
Fred
Fish Tacos
Fish Tacos