Percy Armando Rivera

I was born and raised in Peru, and I transplanted myself to the USA in 1979, eventually settling in Atlanta 22 years ago. As a child, my relatives, who were artists themselves, often enlisted me as a model for their painting endeavors.
From an early age, my heart gravitated towards the art of drawing, particularly portraits. I attended an art school summer camp at the age of 11, enriching my unwavering passion for visual arts, especially drawing and painting. In recent years, a desire to explore deeper into the world of portrait drawing emerged. Encouraged by family and friends, I decided to polish my skills further by enrolling in the Atlanta-Dunwoody Art School. Under the tutelage of the remarkable Thomas Key, I explored the captivating realm of charcoal portrait drawing.

Eager to broaden my artistic palette, I tried various mediums, including pastels, watercolor, colored pencils, sanguine pencils, and acrylic paint. It was during this exploration that I discovered a profound connection with sanguine pencils and the vivid possibilities offered by acrylic painting.
Captivated by the rich hues and textures that these mediums could convey, I transitioned into a self-taught artist. Later, recognizing the ever-evolving nature of art, I enrolled in the Bold School, an online platform that ignited my passion for merging brilliant and lively colors in my portrait work.
As my artistic evolution continued, I found myself drawn to the contemporary allure of abstract and figurative portrait painting. This shift in my artistic expression allowed me
to explore unconventional compositions and examine the realm of abstraction, capturing the essence of my subjects through a kaleidoscope of hues. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my artistic endeavors lies in the realm of commissioned drawings, where the positive reactions of my clients become the most cherished reward, surpassing the monetary compensation.
My artistic footprint has extended across borders, with my creations finding homes in various corners of the globe. From Norway to Peru, my artwork has resonated with
diverse audiences. Closer to home, my pieces have left an indelible mark in several states across the United States and currently 2 pieces of artwork are exhibited at the Alpharetta Art Center Gallery..
My art has found a virtual presence in various online markets as well. It is here that I connect with a broader audience, offering my pieces for sale to those who appreciate the fusion of traditional and contemporary elements in my work. I am fortunate to be surrounded by a support network that extends beyond the canvas. My family and friends have been pillars of encouragement, nurturing my passion for visual art. Their belief in my talent and dedication has been a driving force, pushing me to explore new horizons and push the boundaries of my creativity.

Howard Kurtzman

I began painting in 1986, and I have painted almost daily ever since. Acrylic on canvas is what I enjoyed the most, so I’ve continued with that medium creating fine art in a style that
seemed to flow from my head to my hand almost immediately. A few years ago, I was asked to paint a mural in spite of my inexperience. As a self-taught artist, I’ve been learning what
works best to cover walls, ceilings, and various textures. I’m not comfortable calling myself a muralist, but I’ve now completed several murals, so maybe I am a muralist.
My artwork is a blend of pop, fine, contemporary, geometric, abstract. I’m not sure what category I would use as a label. I hand mix every color on every canvas. Mixing paint and my
use of color, I believe are what makes my paintings special and unique. I’m most proud of my dedication to my passion, my drive, enthusiasm, consistency, and my conviction to paint from my heart and not for what sells and is popular at the moment. I’m inspired by my life experiences; therefore, my paintings are my stories, my diary, my truth. Mine, original, me.

​LELA BRUNET (b. 1985) is a visual artist living in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her BA in Art Education from Kennesaw State University in 2014. With her main subject being the female form, Lela explores the contrast created when the grace of the figure and the tension of energetic patterns and colors collide together. Lela’s work explores this visual battlefield of pattern, color, and form. She works in a variety of media including murals, painting, drawing, and design. She has exhibited her work and murals in multiple galleries and events throughout the United States and internationally. Her clients include Adidas, Microsoft, MailChimp, Facebook, Starbucks, Pepsi, NCR Corporation, Orpheus Brewing, Mellow Mushroom, and Soul Cycle.