When in Rome is not an ideal to which Ambra Tesori aspires. In fact, the native of Rome Italy, whose heritage spans seven generations, is more at home with America’s free Enterprise system and making it on her own. In Italian, we would consider her to be molto in gamba.
“I am a self-taught artist, and enjoy exploring different avenues on my canvas; color and movement are my biggest attraction,” states the Italian artist who has exhibited her work at many galleries, shows and exhibitions. An annual event in which she participates is the Benefit Gala for Hands United for Children charitable event. This year it will be held in Rancho Santa Fe, on the 29th of May.
Tesori draws her creativity and images from her extensive and varied background of travelling and living in places such as Alaska, England, and France. “For me, painting is a form of self-expression, beyond what is seen on the canvas,” explained Tesori, who diligently began painting approximately seven years ago. She explained that for her, the muse is her higher spirit, her higher consciousness. “I was petrified of not doing it right in my earlier work, but now I am willing to risk,” she added. The painter also listens to music while painting, which she says is inspiring and allows some of her painting to be reflected in what she is hearing while working.
Abstract paintings are a passion for Tesori, who explained that she had the concept “all in her head,” and uses her imagination as she composes the work. To her this is freedom from portraits which she says “have to be painted as seen.” But I don’t always shy away from portraits,” said Tesori, recalling a significant event of painting a portrait which still can elicit a burst of tears from the artist.
“A buyer who recently bought one of my paintings asked me to do a portrait of her father, and gave me a small wallet size photo from which to work,” recalled Tesori. “She said ‘I know you can do it,’ but I had never done that before and was very reluctant.” She told the buyer that she would try. Working from the photo, the artist recalled that it was a quick study and she was very eager to please this woman who had “great confidence in my work.”
Upon completion of the work, Tesori prefaced showing the painting to the buyer with the words, “Please know that I put all my heart and mind into this painting, but if you don’t like it, I understand and won’t be offended.” Nervously, she turned the painting around and showed the client the painting of her father. “The woman began to sweat and slowly tears ran down her cheeks. We were both emotionally caught up in the painting” In time both were shedding tears, according to the artist, who has subsequently worked on additional portraits and gained greater confidence in this genre.
According to the Italian artist from Rome, painting for her is a “continuous learning experience for feeling, and bringing emotions from deep within, the goal of which is to never arrive at the destination, but continuing the journey to self-discovery.”
Tesori explained that she works in mixed and multiple media, ranging from Italian Gesso chalk, ink, pastels, acrylics and even pieces of nature, such as leaves. She has also worked in ceramics, sculptures and, of course, oils.
In discussing her plans for the future she remarked, “Part of being an artist is the necessary marketing aspect of business. Although I would rather be in the studio expanding my work, and at art galleries and exhibitions, I know I have to market myself.” Tesori discussed her successful website which shows her portfolio, testimonials and interiors of homes where clients have purchased her paintings.
“I have found a very professional photographer that is very good at photographing my work, which must clearly show the texture of my paintings,” explained Tesori, adding that her work is very “difficult to capture on film as it is layered, with multiple textures that draw out color and light.” She and photographer spent “hours over one year working together” for the marketing photos of her work. In the end they were both satisfied with the results.
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