Joseph Lorusso

Joseph Lorusso was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1966 and received his formal training at the American Academy of Art. He went on to receive his B.F.A. degree from the Kansas City Art Institute. 

While in school, Lorusso majored in watercolor and considers himself self taught as an oil painter. He learned to paint by studying the works of master painters, often losing himself in the halls of the Chicago Art Institute during lunch hours, which frequently turned into afternoons of self-study.  

The main focus on Lorusso’s mostly narrative work is to provide the viewer with a starting point, a place of engagement for the viewer to then reinterpret the scene as they see it. As telling a story has always been an important vehicle for human interaction, Lorusso believes in the ability and power to tell a story through his image making , being able to connect with the viewer in the process.  

Says Lorusso, "I believe truly great art serves as a trigger into something deeper within all of us". The mood and emotion conveyed in Lorusso’s paintings evokes a deep sense of beauty found in the quiet times of daily living. His people are mysterious, lonely, romantic and yet familiar, placed in settings we often see ourselves. Lorusso’s paintings have gained notoriety by their ability to connect with the viewer, resonating in a way that is intimate and personal.  

While in school, Lorusso was recruited by Hallmark Cards, Inc. and from 1988 to 1999 served as an artist in their greeting card division. Lorusso has served as instructor of painting and drawing at the Kansas City Art Institute and the Scottsdale Artists School.  

Lorusso’s work has been shown internationally and has won numerous awards and honors, he is considered a leading figure in the field of contemporary figurative realism. He has been featured in American Artist magazine, Southwest Art, U.S. Art, Art & Antiques, The Artists Magazine, Art News, American Art Collector, International Artist and Art Talk magazines. 

Lorusso’s work is part of many private collections; his work is in the permanent collections of the Albrecht-Kemper Museum, St.Joseph, Missouri, the Beach Museum at Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, and the Wichita Museum of Art, Wichita, Kansas. Joseph Lorusso is currently represented by McLarry Fine Art, Santa Fe, NM, Bonner-David Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ, Cavalier Galleries, New York, Jones and Terwilliger Galleries, Carmel, CA, Hancock Gallery, United Kingdom.

www.josephlorussofineart.com

Workshop description

In this workshop, Joseph will guide students through his  process for constructing a painting in the studio setting. The  workshop will be structured to show the various phases a  painting goes through from conception to completion. Joseph will guide students in a step-by-step process that  encompasses the proper use of materials. Joseph will cover  his three step process he uses in every painting. He will  speak on the proper use of photo reference, how to develop  a concept as a tool for storytelling, as well as the technical  challenges on how to compose and design a painting. Joseph will work one-on-one, as well as paint along with  students in order to demonstrate his process. Students will primarily work from appropriate photographs provided by the instructor, each working in the same process as Joseph  does in his studio setting. Students will be encouraged to bring their own photos as well, and Joseph will show how he  goes about taking proper photo reference. Students will also  have access to paint outdoors and explore the  landscape. The goal of the workshop is to complete one to two full-sized paintings within the week. A class critique will  be given on the final afternoon.