Artist Spotlight - Loretta Pena — Contemporary Art Curator Magazine

Biography

Loretta Pena is a self-taught artist based in Union City, California United States. She began her journey after working for a fast-paced company for more than 20 years. The stress from working for that company was so great, she had a severe anxiety attack that caused her to rethink her future.

Seeing Red, 2025, Acrylic on canvas, 50.8 x 50.8 cm

She eventually began therapy and painting which she now uses as her coping mechanisms. Loretta has said many times "you really don't see yourself until your therapist holds a mirror in front of you." She gives credit to both painting and therapy for saving her life. She now creates art full-time. Her paintings will take you on her life's journey.

Being One With Nature, 2025, Acrylic on canvas, 45.72 x 60.96 cm,

Loretta's paintings are at times dark and emotional, to happy and inspiring. She also paints to express her current mood and her views on world topics. Her mission is always rooted in helping others who have had similar experiences to hers, and to reassure them that there is a better life waiting for them.

A Positive Light, 2025, Acrylic on canvas, 45.72 x 60.96 cm

There is no subject she will not touch and she is unafraid of criticism because her paintings are created from within her soul; her soul being her security blanket, if you will. She has once said being self-taught feels free and independent, without worries of color representation and style and this is evident in her work. Most of her paintings are created with acrylic paints on canvas.

What You May Not See, 2025, Acrylic on canvas, 45.72 x 60.96 cm

The tools she uses are brushes, scalpels and anything she feels will give her the effect she needs such as plastic wrap, paper towels, fabric swatches, her fingers, etc. She loves to paint and feels very grateful to be on her journey and hopes that her creations will mean something to someone someday.

Journey to the Unknown, 2025, Acrylic on canvas, 45.72 x 60.96 cm

Artist Statement

I am a once broken, self-taught artist that have many stories to tell. I decided to pick up a paint brush, with the encouragement of my son, to allow myself to feel and express all that was going on in and around me, and credit painting and a great therapist for saving my life.

In the Moment, 2025, Acrylic on Canvas, 40.64 x 50.8 cm

My art is about my many life experiences, some of which may leave you highly uncomfortable and some will make you feel you are on the highest mountain peak. My art is imperfect; a true reflection of me and something I now embrace wholeheartedly.

Website: www.artpiecebypeace.com
Instagram: artpiecebypeace