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Brushstrokes Home: Claudia Velasco |
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Written by Erin Frustaci
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Wednesday, 12 April 2006 |
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A fine paintbrush with a dab of oil paint on the tip is a first-class ticket home for Claudia Velasco.
“When you are away from your native country, you tend to appreciate its culture more,” Velasco said. “Painting is a way of going back.”
Velasco, 29, moved from Bolivia to Fort Collins with her family when she was 15 years old. She now creates oil and acrylic paintings inspired by the people and scenery of Bolivia. Painting had always been a favorite pastime for her, but a year ago she decided to pursue it more as a career.
The self-taught artist put together a portfolio, had a Web site designed and printed business cards. She scouted out galleries around Fort Collins, showing her work to gallery owner after owner.
“It’s like looking for a job,” she said. “At the beginning it was frustrating because you wait and wait, but eventually you get used to it.”
Images of Spanish courtyards, quaint villages, artisans and pottery filled with fruit have brightened many gallery walls in Fort Collins, thanks to Velasco. Her works are on display for the month of April at The Bean Cycle coffee shop, 144 N. College Ave.
“It’s a way to show people a piece of myself and my background,” she said. “Painting, when you like it so much, is a feeling.”
Velasco said she enjoys experimenting with color. Her favorite compositions are figures. She also likes painting towns and houses because of the architecture.
In addition to painting, Velasco also works as an interior designer at Concept 360 in Fort Collins. She got her degree in interior design from Colorado State University.
“One thing I like about design is the rendering part because I get to do a lot of
drawings,” Velasco said. “Right now I’m pretty much getting more experience. Maybe in two years I will have my own business.”
Outside of work, Velasco hikes and travels.
“I like to travel because I like to see other cultures, meet new people and explore,” she said.
About every year or two, she hops on a plane back to her native country to visit friends and relatives. But the culture of Bolivia is just as alive in Fort Collins, living in Velasco and her family.
TO SEE MORE
Check out Claudia Velasco’s artwork at The Bean Cycle coffee shop, 144 N. College Ave. or at www.claudiavelasco.com.  | Only registered users can write comments.
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