My name is Lori Vinaric Chiz. I have been painting for about 8 years. I began after my son was born. I never felt particularly artistic but a friend of mine convinced me that I needed to get out and do something. I started decorative painting at that point and progressed to teaching it a few years later. I am a One Stroke Certified Instructor as well as having a certificate in the Palek method of Russian painting.
I began watercolor painting approximately 3 years ago when I fell in love with the works of Ayako Shibata. I was at an art exhibit and had my breath taken away by her wonderful art. I know that I wanted to learn to paint that way. I enrolled in her classes that fall and have been a student of hers since that time.
I work part time as the in-house artist for Martin & Associates and do various projects for them. These projects include in-store home decorating demos, as well as faux-finishing of home and office walls and trade show displays. I have also been involved in the making of an instructional video teaching these techniques. Although my first priority is the raising of my two great kids, I love to get my fingers into paint and mediums of all kinds when the opportunity arises.
