About Lorraine Yigit
Artist Statement – Lorraine Yigit
My artistic journey has evolved over many years, beginning in my teenage years with early drawings and paintings, continuing through motherhood, and expanding again after my retirement in 2012. With more time to dedicate to my practice, I pursued formal study under master artist Mandy Bouriscot at the Mandy Bouriscot Atelier in Vancouver, BC. This training deepened my appreciation for traditional techniques and strengthened my commitment to continual growth as an artist. I am especially inspired by the Old Masters, whose dedication to observation, craftsmanship, and expressive use of light continues to influence my work today.
My work spans both large and small formats, from expansive paintings to intimate pieces. I create animal portraits, landscapes, still lifes, and drawings from life, working in acrylic, oil, gouache, charcoal, and pastel. While realism is central to my practice—particularly when capturing the true likeness of a subject—I also enjoy exploring impressionistic approaches that emphasize color, movement, and energy.
Personal experiences and careful observation guide my work. I am continually challenged and inspired by the process of translating what I see into paint or drawing, striving to capture both accuracy and feeling. Color plays a particularly important role in my paintings, bringing vitality and emotion to each subject.
During the COVID pandemic, a friend asked me to paint her pets on small Christmas ornaments. What began as a single request soon grew into many commissioned pet portraits painted on small round ornaments. These pieces have become meaningful keepsakes for many people, honoring beloved pets both present and past. I take great pride in creating a faithful likeness that allows people to reconnect with cherished memories, and this connection between art and personal experience remains one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
Whether creating a large-scale painting or a small, detailed portrait, my goal is the same: to share the enthusiasm and joy I feel while creating, and to invite viewers to connect with the subject in a meaningful and lasting way.