The abstract paintings of Esther Orloff brilliantly reflect the poignancy of inner life.
Esther believes, “Life isn’t simple or one-dimensional. Why should art be?”
This perception of life complemented by Esther’s study of art in its diverse forms, merge with her vast experience in mixed media and come to fruition in the complex techniques which create depth and vitality in her paintings.
An avid traveller, Esther is deeply moved by visiting other lands and their people, in order to fill her well of inspiration. Drawing inspiration from the elegant effects of time on the aged stone buildings and crumbling walls of Old Europe, Esther takes equal joy in the peeling layers of paint and corroded metalwork of ancient architecture as she does in the modern day brightly-colored houses and inhabitants of lands and cultures far from home.
Artists who inspire her include Sargent, Monet and Van Gogh, as well as many lesser known contemporary artists. Esther has participated in numerous specialty workshops throughout the West Coast including mural painting, furniture finishing, trompe l’oeil, mixed-media collage, bookbinding and jewelry making classes.
Inspired by the beauty of everyday objects, Esther captures scenes in order to present what may seem ordinary to most, in an entirely new view. The dramatic play of light and shadow is reflected in Esther’s natural flair for photography. She places great value in the effects color and light have on both the image and the viewer.
Esther credits her talented father and grandfather with instilling her with the desire to seek knowledge in a myriad of areas. They taught her to never stop learning and to never stop playing. This playfulness and exposure to diverse techniques is apparent in her distinctive creative style.
Even as a child Esther was discovering her passion and abilities while madly drawing palm trees and parrots. Her supportive parents supplied her with an easel and enough paper, markers and paint to encourage her early talent.
Esther’s passion was explored further by taking art and photography classes in high school. She continued her studies at Fullerton College by taking numerous classes including color theory, oil painting, life drawing and photography among others. In fact, her work continues to be used as an example in current classes by photography instructor, Jeff Minton. Having worked as a professional muralist and faux finisher for more than 15 years, Esther’s murals and complex painting techniques can still be found in commercial settings as well as residential environments.
She resides in Southern California with her husband and their active four-year old son where she escapes into her studio every chance she gets.
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