Lori Bettyas Baratta is a decorative artist & illustrator with over 250 published designs. Some of her many designs include New Age, Mythical, Fantasy & Country themes. Her artwork is available worldwide & has graced both magazine, catalog & book covers such as "The Wicca Handbook", The Witches Book of Answers" etc. She's been featured & reviewed in many different publications, with some of the attention being focused on the rich symbolism in her metaphysical designs. Because of this aspect, she researches the history, culture & customs of comparitive religions to insure the utmost respect & accuracy of any symbols in which she may portray. Her interest in fantasy & myth goes back to when she was a child.
In addition to painting decorative art, she also does commissioned portraits of both people & pets, & large pieces of contemporary realistic fine art as well. Her work hangs in both private & public collections, & also with governmental dignitaries. Basically self-taught, she originally started painting in acrylics & later took a few night courses in watercolour & oils, while also studying the techniques of pen & ink, pencils, pastels & gouache, finding a whole new world working in mixed media. "I've always had a great love for colors; & find that each medium has a magic all it's own". Her designs can also be found on a diverse array of other products offered through various companies; all the way from rubber stamps to writing journals.
Aside from painting & illustrating, some of her many loves include caring for any & all types of animals, Nature, metaphysics, plants, reading, writing poetry, hiking, belly dancing, cooking, gardening, playing guitar, wine making & spending time at home and outdoors.
