As a young girl, Enzie Shahmiri was drawn to the intense facial expressions she witnessed in the people surrounding her through life. Equally compelling for her was the desire to capture those expressions on paper, first through a child’s crayon impressions, then pencil, pen – and ultimately through oil paints, the medium she now uses. Enzie has the rich, cultural heritage of a unique upbringing. Having lived in many countries, including Austria, Germany and Iran, she draws upon a plethora of civilizations and life-altering experiences (the revolution in Iran) to store within her arsenal of creative images for artistic reference.
Sadly, like so many young artists, she was met with too many experiences that squelched her creative pursuits – until the time came at a point much later in life where she could no longer resist her true calling. Enzie was then powered not just by her passion to paint but to acquire the best training she could possibly afford. That eventually brought her to satellite workshops in Atlanta and Las Vegas offered by the Art Students League in NYC where she met her mentor in the award-winning artist and instructor, Marvin Mattelson.
Enzie credits Marvin for teaching her the technical skills she needed to learn how to paint realistic flesh tones in the Old Masters style she so lovingly longed to capture in her own work. Mattleson also instilled discipline and proper work habits into her routine. Coupled with her own natural talent, dedication, hard work and endless hours of perfecting all that she was taught, Enzie’s work took a turn towards the greatness she continues to pursue. Since that time, Enzie has achieved numerous awards, countless exhibitions, ongoing shows and endless private commissions from around the world. Her work just keeps getting better and better, her passion deeper, and her motivation, unparalleled. Enzie’s website and blogs are followed and shared by many as the list of glowing testimonials from elated customers continues to grow.
Today, Enzie’s creative pursuits know no boundaries in every aspect of her life. Best known for her commissioned portraits of people and pets, Enzie not only captures her subjects’ distinctive facial expressions, but their unique aura’s and their own current place in life. Her subjects are as rich and as culturally diverse as her depictions of them – from the pretty, young princess of Pakistan pictured here, to the aging holy man from India; from a gypsy fortune teller to an old-fashioned Santa; from a young bride caught in a moment alone, to the innocence of a child.
Enzie paints animals with equal skill and devotion, and has captured many a pooch, pony or kitty cat with the same authenticity she captures her human subjects. With each portrait she paints, Enzie captures a slice of their lives in the details of their expressions, elegant costumes and setting. Equally as passionate about philanthropic endeavors and charitable causes, Enzie donates much of her work towards improving the lives of others.
Enzie's work may be viewed on her website at www.EnzieShahmiri.com.
Her blogs keep her fans updated on her numerous upcoming exhibitions and current work, along with other equally passionate aspects of her life, i.e gardening and cooking.
http://world-market-portraits.blogspot.com/
http://theorientalistgallery.blogspot.com/
http://pet-portraits-oilpaintings.blogspot.com/
http://garden-delights.blogspot.com/
http://enzieshahmiridesigns.blogspot.com/
Enzie is available to paint your own portrait or that of a loved one, and can work from photographs where a sitting is not possible. For more information, contact her directly at: [email protected]
I am so grateful Enzie Shahmiri has finally found a happy, joyful place in life where she is now comfortable and free to pursue her creative passions. They are a gift to the world that we may all enjoy, if only just by visiting her websites.
Enzie’s artistic bio in her own words: http://world-market-portraits.blogspot.com/2007/10/what-it-means-to-be-artist.html
The painting pictured (top left) is entitled ‘Princess of the East - Amal’ by Enzie Shahmiri. It is oil on canvas and measures 24x20. Amal is a portrait of a young Pakistani girl painted from an original photo taken by Kami Safdar.
The painting pictured (bottom left) is a 16x20 oil on canvas of a horse called 'Cinnamon'
Both paintings are copyright protected and are also available as giclees. Visit’s Enzie’s site for more details on these and other works by the artist.
Thank you Lisa for this wonderful introduction and post about my work.
Posted by: Enzie Shahmiri | 03/04/2010 at 10:04 AM
You are so welcome Enzie!
Posted by: Lisa Freedman | 03/04/2010 at 08:36 PM