A Maine native, Liz was trained by her first art teacher to view the natural world with a colorist's eye. Painting the New England landscape outdoors in all weather conditions, she embraced the shadows and muted tones to recreate a sense of place in the environment. Liz continued her art education at the Rhode Island School of Design(RISD), studying with several notable artists including Chris van Allsburg, to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree in Illustration. After being in the industry for a while, Liz continued her studies to earn a Teacher Credential in Art at UC Santa Barbara. While living with her family in Auckland, New Zealand, Liz earned her MFA degree at Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design, emphasizing drawing, painting, and digital media.
Influenced by artists from several regions including New England, New Mexico, New Zealand and California, Liz also enjoys painting on location using the alla prima technique. A high-key color palette combined with distinct shadow shapes creates contrasts and spatial depth in her art. Liz's viewpoint of the environment is conveyed through loose brush strokes and a freshness that evokes impressions of a place.
Liz balances her artmaking with teaching art full-time at a local high school. Her regional surroundings and international travels influence the variety of media she uses including oil, acrylic, watercolor, and charcoal.
She is a member of the Santa Barbara Art Association, The Lompoc Valley Art Association, The California Art Club, and S.C.A.P.E. (Southern California Artists Painting for the Environment). Follow her on Instagram at Alvarezarts17.