Little Rock’s Pleasant Ridge Shopping Center is home to a unique local treasure: Art Group Gallery. Founded and operated by area artists, it is a true working gallery where area artists have a studio to paint and can display their works to sell in the front of the shop. Follow along as we feature different artists who share the inspiration and stories behind a few of their pieces. | Sponsored Content
Artist Lori Weeks
“An Arkansas native, I knew I was always going to be an artist. I began my art career by the age of nine, followed by graphic design and fine art at the Art Institute of Dallas and the Memphis College of Art. I’m best known for my collection of oil impasto, impressionistic poppy paintings that incorporate unique color schemes and textures. As I am always evolving, I rely more and more on my imagination because I find that I get bored painting from photos. The more I paint, the more I go by intuition and the less I stick to the guidelines.
I am a prolific, daily painter and create an array of works featuring a variety of subject matter and painting techniques. My art is best known for their depth and the bright, vivid colors and thick textured oil paint that give them life. On the other hand, I’m also known for more subdued paintings that represent images of life and bring calmness and peace to all who enjoy them. I am continuously expressing art with a variety of subject matter and techniques.”
“Everlasting” | Oil on canvas | 24 x 24 | SOLD
I often produce wild-life art that people can connect with. Birds, fish, ducks, are a few of my go-tos. Red birds represent meaningful relationships, past or present. This particular piece was purchased by someone who had just lost her husband; this reminded her of him and she was brought to tears. It’s so rewarding to know that I can help to bring just a bit of joy, happiness, or a spark of a memory or feelings for daily enjoyment.
“Lemon Petals” | Oil on canvas | 24 x 12 | SOLD
This painting is an example of a typical ‘poppy’ style piece that I create on my own. I start with a color scheme I’m dreaming of—sometimes I use all the colors on my paint palette—and then I just go for it! This painting was sold to a fellow artist I met from Pennsylvania; that’s quite the compliment.
“Traveling Bandana” | Oil on canvas | 24 x 30 | Available for purchase
I took this photo while driving downtown Little Rock. It struck me as something you wouldn’t see in this day and age. I often ‘embellish’ my art as the mood strikes me. The dog looks like my Aussie, and as you can see it is wearing a red bandana, so I had to name it for that reason.
“Tribute to the Queen” | Oil on panel | 12 x 16 | SOLD
I was fortunate to travel to England this summer during the Queen’s 70th Jubilee. Upon my return home, I saw an image from the news that she had passed, and the poppies caught my attention of course. The bluebonnet is a representation of her in a poppy field.
See more of Lori’s work at loriweeksart.com and learn how you can shop Art Group Gallery at artgrouparkansas.com.
