I am over the moon with excitement for Baterbys new endeavor for the 2012. With all the accolades we have accomplished in the last three years, this is by far my most favorite project. Not only do I love the art, but I get a chance to work with some truly creative people. On January 13, 2012 we will kick off our official Second Friday Exhibit. What is Second Friday?  It is an exhibit full of Orlando’s finest mingling with one-another.  Each Second Friday will feature a different event, starting with our FLORIDA’s BEST ARTIST competition.

The Competition will feature talented creatures from across Central and Southern Florida. Each artist is bringing a unique style that will surely please the appetite of true art connoisseur. Their talents truly are a must see.  It is my great pleasure and honor in introducing these artists to our Baterbys family. My hope is that you are able to come to our 1^st Second Friday Exhibit and vote for the artist who captures the true essence of your personality.

We will now introduce the 6 finalists, starting with Robin Maria Pedrero:
Meet Robin: a full of life, colorful and outgoing artist from Norwich Connecticut who resides in Longwood Florida today. Now an experienced and award winning artist, she began fine art studies at the age of thirteen with her early exhibitions in a seaport town at The Mystic Art Association. She quickly became appreciated and successful thanks to her luminous landscapes, and lively and colorful depictions of nature.

Robin plays with colors, movement and emotions; she describes her work as “a symbolic visual language exploring the visible and invisible creating a commentary on relationships and thoughts”. She is guided by music and rhythm that help her create movement and nature walks are also inspirational for her. The artist’s work emulates the spirit and energy of life using layers of bright colors. Her representations of nature evoke different moods and states of mind and she can express strength, joy and serenity in her art.

Robin’s motivation in her work is to create something that can make a difference and resonate with other people and bring them a new and fresh perspective. For her, that is what determines success; achieving visual communication that activates the sacred bond between a viewer and the art. Achievement-oriented, she sets goals for herself and is actively involved in the art community and participates in numerous competitions and exhibits.

Described with three words by the people who know her, the artist is said to be inspirational, innovative, and talented. Robin’s favorite medium is paint because it is fluid and can be manipulated, she uses layers in her work; as they accumulate they tell a story and her canvas becomes a narrative. Her paintings tell how they were made and evolved and came out of her mind.
When asked what kind of animal she would be, Robin’s answer mirrors her multi-faceted and colorful personality: “I would be some sort of chimera; I’ve green eyes like a lion, I want wings to fly, and wish to change colors like a chameleon.”

To learn more about Robin and see her work, visit the following:
Her website: www.gallery523.com
Her blog: http://www.pocketfullofcolors.blogspot.com/
More on Robin: http://www.baterbys.com/orlando_bestartist-finalists-robinmaria-pedrero