Welcome

If you find yourself drawn to art that you relate to or feel emotionally, than you are in the right place. My mission is to help heal and nourish feelings through empathy and compassion. This is especially apparent in my Explorations of the Heart. Each heart print signifies an emotion I have been through or a client has been through. I welcome you to take a look around my shop and services, experience my art, share your feelings and engage with me! Visit my Blog, Instagram, or Facebook Page for info about my art and upcoming shows or events!

About

I love exploring the feelings and emotions of the heart. The language I use in my artwork is created from my experiences. I make a variety of sketches of the subject until I am satisfied that the way I have drawn the image best describes the feeling I want it to evoke. 

I find that the most emotional images come through my printmaking. Printmaking allows me to create many of one image. Sometimes, I will create an edition of work, and later go back and make an adjustment or change, which creates a whole new edition of the same art, but takes on a whole new feel and meaning. Other times, I create a series of original works by printing the same image each time with each piece different in some way.

Some of my influences come from the great woodblock printmakers from Asia and Europe. I am also influenced by my other profession, graphic design. The composition, typography, and photography used influences my work greatly.  I am a huge fan of Frida Khalo’s and Barbara Kruger’s very emotional language. I am influenced by so many artists and such a variety of things I sense, see, and feel. I work and show in the Chicagoland area and have been creating art since I was very young. My favorite story from when I was little is when I carved into the woodwork of our home. Ha ha! My mother wasn't too happy about that. Anyhow, I love art and creating!

Bio

Lisa’s collection of work in multiple media is a unique embodiment of self-expression. Her deepest feelings are communicated through her art, and her work is intended to capture and evoke emotion. Her skill not only enhances her conceived idea, but also refuses to compromise during the execution phase. Her feelings are intertwined through her art language. Take the time to engage in a conversation with the artist and you will see how her artwork resonates vibrantly through her, and is rooted deeply in her heart – sometimes in a subtle way, other times it prominently dominates the piece. Step into Lisa’s world through her art. Her work promises kindness, empathy, and above all - love to one's self.

Where Lisa Studied:

Lisa’s birth into a conservative family, her sensitive and subtle nature, her love of beauty and natural inclination to express herself led her to pursue a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree. It was a huge honor and great accomplishment for her when she was accepted to The School of Art Institute of Chicago, but she found a more valuable education at Bradley University, where she graduated, and honed her natural skills in expression, color, composition, printmaking, and design.

Exhibitions / Shows / Art Fairs:

Peoria Art Guild
Evanston Art Center
Noyes Cultural Arts Center
Petroff Photography Gallery
Polish Museum of America
Buffalo Grove Days Fine Art Fair 2019
With the Buffalo Grove and Long Grove Artist Leagues at various local venues

Teaching Experience:

Printmaking Workshop at the Loom Organization in Chicago

Testimonials / Comments:

Web Designer / UX Specialist / Hobby Photographer

Lisa's artwork is amazing and unique. I have the pleasure of owning not one but three very unique custom pieces from Lisa that bring joy to my life almost everyday. I often find myself looking into the artwork whenever I need a mental break from whatever I'm doing. Her unique style invites you into the art itself. As I explore the colors and textures, I begin to feel a sense of the emotions and care that went into every stroke.

A Fellow Artist / Urban Planner

Lisa Tornatore captures reverie and raw emotion in a collection of introspective scenes and captivating portraits in print, paint, drawing and mixed media. The soft swashes and hazy hues of some works construct nebulous dreamscapes, while in others, forcefully rendered marks convey tension. Gazing portraits stare into the distance – sometimes directly through the audience – suggesting contemplation or soulful remembrance. Across media and subjects, Tornatore’s expressionistic work invites dialog on issues of identity, social constructs and the mind.

Creative Director / Master Gardener

Lisa worked for me as a graphic artist for nearly five years. While she was employed, I purchased one of her ink pictures. We used one of her water colors for a high quality magazine ad. Lisa is most definitely an artist extraordinaire!

If you are interested in my work, have any questions, or would like to get my newsletters via email, please submit the form below. I am looking forward to hearing from you!