Lori Levin was destined to be an artist. After winning an award in a local art contest at the young age of 9, she started serious art instruction. As a 13 year old she was invited to attend college preparatory classes at Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she would later receive her BFA, with honors, in 1994.
Lori made a living as an artist/designer for several large companies over the years but her close bond with animals left her wanting more. Leaving the corporate world to start her own business creating custom pet portraits and fine art landscapes, inspired by the Salem County countryside, was a risk she had to take. Soulful Studios, her artist’s studio in Pilesgrove, was born out of the need to express her belief that understanding and caring for animals is the key to health and happiness. Graphite and traditional oil paints are her mediums of choice. Her pieces are realistic and exquisitely detailed yet still have an impressionistic and romantic flair. Each piece she creates touches her deeply as if the animal was a part of her own family.
In 2009, Gallery 50 in Bridgeton awarded her “Best of Show” and “People’s Choice Award” at their Regional Wetlands Competition for her painting “Family”. “Pet Companions Magazine” featured her work on the cover of their September 2008 issue. She was also the cover artist for the April 2002 and August 2003 issues of the “Equine Marketer”, was featured in the July 2001 edition of the “Horse News” and selected as one of 6 artists for a special “canine art” exhibition at Sagemore Gallery, Ocean City, NJ, benefiting the Humane Society. Canine Partners for Life’s 10th Annual Wine Auction featured her painting “Ripening Fruits” that raised $2,700 for their organization.Currently her work is exhibited at First Impressions Gallery in Salem, NJ and is registered with The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog. She is currently accepting commissions for horse and small animal portraits in oil or graphite.
