Artist ~ Lisa Guarino ~ Pawtucket

Artist’s name: Lisa Guarino 

Shop name: Lisa's Art & Horses 

Website: http://www.lisasart.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lisas-ART-Horses-93113367094 

1. Tell us about your work 

 I started drawing when I was young. My parents and teachers encouraged me to continue making art work. My work reflects my love for nature and animals. I enjoy being out in nature and admire the diversity of creatures in our world. I have worked in a few mediums. I work a lot in Pen and Ink, Pen and Ink and Watercolor Pencils, Pastels and scratch board. 

2. Is there a story behind the name of your business? 

I named my business, Lisa's Art & Horses because those are my two passions. I fell in love with horses at my first pony ride. I spent a lot of time learning about horses through books and when I had a chance to be around them at a barn. I enjoying bringing out the beauty, strength and gentleness of horses in my art. 

3. How did you come to be a professional artist? 

Though I questioned at first if I should go the route to being an artist, I found that I strongly wanted to follow my talent and heart. I attended Southeastern Massachusetts University where I received a Bachelor of Fine Arts. I focused on illustration. I created pieces for my portfolio and sent them out to publishers. As in any career, one will get some rejects. I chose to create my own art business to sell different items with my art to customers and clients. I have items as note cards, art prints and a small line of my own horse T-shirts. I offer pet portraits and illustration services. 

4. Where do you draw your inspiration? 

I'm inspired by nature. There is always something to see , whether driving along a road or hiking a trail. I'm also a fan of some famous artist as Renoir, Monet and Da Vinci. Those artists aspired to doing the best work they could do. 

5. I really dig your pet portraits. Can you tell us about the process? 

I'm a pretty sensitive soul and enjoying bring out the persona of an animal. I take some photos for references for the portrait--- since animals aren't good at sitting still for a long time. If the client has a good photo I can use that. Using the photo references, I look for what makes that animal special. Though I enjoy meeting a client's pet when I can, it hasn't been a problem when I can't visit them. I have done portraits for clients else where in the USA. 

6. What’s your favorite item to create? 

I do really enjoy creating a portrait of a client's pet. Each pet has it's own persona and it's fun to see that and create a portrait to memorialize that pet. 

7. What’s your best seller? 

I would say my best seller has been the portrait services. Though my Horse T-shirts are a close second. 

8. How long have you been in Rhode Island? 

I have been in Rhode Island for 18 years. My husband and I found our house and moved here when I was pregnant with my first child. 

9. What do you {heart} about Rhode Island? 

I heart the people I have met here. The first group I joined, a Moms group, was the best thing I did. Even as our lives have become busier and our children have grown, we've kept in touch one way or another. Before this horrid virus our Moms got together for a reunion from the MOMs club. It was so great to see and catch up on our lives and such. Best people. 

10. Favorite place to take out-of-towners? 

My in-laws enjoy ordering pizza at the local pizza place near us, Pawtucket House of Pizza. Besides pizza, My brother-in-law says they have the best onion rings. 

11. Any advice for new/wannabe makers? 

Persistence is a must to succeed. 

Don't take rejections personally. 

Keep on Creating. 

12. Please include anything else you’d like to add:. 

One of my favorite quotes is from Henry David Thoreau. "If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."