Muralist, artist and owner of Artistic Creations Kristine Lucco has had a lifelong passion for painting. Primarily creating murals, trompe l’oeil, and handpainted furniture, Kristine has caused quite the spectacle around South Florida with her art; the grand scale and awe-inspiring designs are impossible to walk past without stopping to gawk. She recently painted the murals for Frontgate’s South Beach Wine and Food Festival booth. The mural’s bright and inviting lemon display attracted beach-goers to capture an Instagram-worthy shot in front of it. We sat down with Kristine to learn more about her designs and the inspiration behind her artistry.
Frontgate (FG): Tell us a little about you and how you got your start in the art world.
Kristine Lucco (KL): I’ve always loved to create art in all its forms, and as the years went on, I began to consider a career in artistic design. I enrolled at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale to hone my skills and expand my knowledge. Following school, I went straight to work in a reproduction art studio where I learned a ton and made some dearly needed rent money as a young starting artist. With the goal of entrepreneurship, I began the process of licensing my own business – Artistic Creations – which is still around today. I began to network with local designers and other small business owners to develop a strong portfolio, and from there it took off.
FG: Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?
KL: I work very closely with clients to get to know their lifestyle, wants and needs, then I generate ideas from there. Understanding clients this way provides me with great insight as to what will resonate with and be appreciated by them. Additionally, I try to stay up to date on other artists’ work and ideas, along with seeking designer input. Once I have an idea, it just flows from the brush.
FG: What advice do you have for homeowners seeking new artwork in their home but perhaps don’t know exactly what they want?
KL: First and foremost, I advise them that what is painted will last awhile and to therefore choose themes that will be more timeless. For example, a child who wants a Disney character on their walls will most likely grow out of that, so I would instead suggest something more generic.
I also advise homeowners which color palettes will work best with the colors that surround the space I’ll be painting. When someone doesn’t know exactly what they want, I always recommend using the colors that are around them as inspiration.
FG: What are some of your favorite places for homeowners to incorporate art in their homes?
KL: I converted an entire garage into a Tuscany villa with a wall-to-wall ‘wine cellar,’ even painting the water heater as a wine barrel. No space is off the table. I’ve worked on laundry rooms, closets, bathrooms – I once painted a mural on a 40-foot high ceiling! I was so intimidated by the height of the scaffolding when I looked down!
FG: What have been some of your favorite projects?
KL: I participated in the design for The Vanilla Ice Project on a local home and that was a blast. I have flown around the world to create nurseries, murals and paintings for iconic sports figures and musicians. Just being exposed to those worlds was fascinating.
FG: What tips do you have for selecting artwork that complements a lifestyle?
KL: I always start by working with clients to establish their style. Is their home classic, modern, contemporary? Selecting the right artwork comes down to home aesthetic; we start there, then I lend color and theme suggestions while also helping expand upon their ideas.
Whether you’re looking to create a gallery wall or simply searching for the perfect new piece for your home, check out our assortment of wall art.
