Meet LARA RESTELLI | Lara Restelli is a contemporary realist painter working in oils.

We had the good fortune of connecting with LARA RESTELLI and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LARA, what’s your definition for success?
I believe success is a concept that can only be defined individually, because it can represent many different things depending on a person’s values and aspirations.
Take artists, for example. For one artist, success may be measured by sales; for another, it may mean exhibiting work in a major museum; and for someone else, it may simply be the ability to paint every day. None of these definitions is more valid than the others—they are simply reflections of different goals and priorities.
For me, success is the consistent accomplishment of meaningful goals, whether they are large or small. It is about continuing to move forward, growing through the process, and finding fulfillment in the pursuit of what matters most to you.
“As an artist, I have learned that success is not a fixed destination. My goals continue to evolve, and with them, my definition of success. What remains constant is the satisfaction of making progress, challenging myself, and staying committed to my creative practice.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work is rooted in Contemporary Realism and inspired by a deep fascination with the beauty, energy, and symbolism found in nature. Several years ago, I discovered the world of stones, gems, and minerals almost by accident. What began as curiosity quickly evolved into a profound source of inspiration. I was captivated by their colors, textures, and unique formations, but also by the sense of balance, resilience, and permanence they represent. Since then, they have become the primary subject of my work and the foundation of my artistic language.
What sets my work apart is the combination of classical realism with a contemporary sensibility. Through larger-than-life paintings of stones, minerals, and carefully curated objects, I seek to create images that are visually striking while also inviting contemplation. Color, form, and composition are essential elements in my process, and I strive to create paintings that evoke joy, harmony, strength, and serenity.
Professionally, my path was anything but direct. My background is not in the traditional fine arts. After earning a degree in International Business, I made the decision to pursue a more creative life and committed myself fully to becoming a professional artist. That decision required years of study, discipline, and perseverance. I immersed myself in classical atelier training, dedicated countless hours to drawing and painting, and sought instruction from accomplished artists whose knowledge and generosity helped shape my development.
Like most artists, I have faced many challenges along the way. Building technical skills, finding my own voice, gaining recognition, and navigating the business side of an art career all require patience and persistence. There were no shortcuts. Every exhibition opportunity, award, and professional milestone was earned through years of consistent work and continuous learning.
One of the most important lessons I have learned is that artistic growth is a lifelong journey. Success rarely happens overnight, and comparison can be one of an artist’s greatest obstacles. I have learned to focus on steady improvement, meaningful goals, and the joy of the creative process itself. Each painting teaches me something new and presents an opportunity to grow.
What I am most proud of is not any single exhibition or award, but the fact that I have built a life centered around creativity and purpose. I have been fortunate to share my work with collectors, galleries, and audiences across the country, but what matters most is creating paintings that resonate with people on a personal level.
If there is one thing I would like people to know about me and my work, it is that my paintings are ultimately an invitation to pause. In a world that often feels rushed and chaotic, I hope my work offers a moment of reflection, beauty, and connection. Through the quiet presence of stones and natural forms, I seek to remind viewers of the balance, resilience, and wonder that exist all around us.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If a close friend who loved art were visiting Miami for a week, I would focus entirely on the city’s incredible art scene. Miami has evolved into one of the most important cultural destinations in the country, and there is an abundance of inspiring places to explore.
We would begin at the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM), whose collection of contemporary and international art offers a wonderful introduction to the city’s cultural landscape. From there, we would visit the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in the Design District, one of my favorite museums for discovering innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions.
The Design District itself would be a destination. Beyond the museums, it offers public art installations, galleries, architecture, and design that make simply walking through the neighborhood a creative experience.
A day in Wynwood would be essential. While it is famous for its murals, there are also many galleries and creative spaces that showcase emerging and established artists. The energy of the neighborhood is constantly evolving, making every visit different.
I would also dedicate time to visiting some of Miami’s excellent commercial galleries. The city has become home to a growing number of galleries representing both local and international artists, creating opportunities to see exceptional contemporary work year-round.
If the visit coincided with Art Basel Miami Beach, the itinerary would practically create itself. During that week, Miami becomes the center of the art world, with major fairs, gallery exhibitions, museum programming, artist talks, and special events happening throughout the city. It is an extraordinary opportunity to experience art from every corner of the globe.
What excites me most about Miami’s art scene is its diversity. It brings together artists, collectors, curators, galleries, and institutions from many different cultures and perspectives. There is always something new to discover, and that spirit of creativity and exchange is one of the reasons I am proud to call Miami home.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Of course, nobody succeeds alone. I have been fortunate to learn from and work with many artists who generously shared their knowledge, experience, and guidance throughout my formative years as a painter.
It would be unfair to single out just one person, as there are so many extraordinary contemporary realist painters working and teaching today who have influenced my development in different ways. We are living in a remarkable era for painters—one in which it is easier than ever to connect with artists from around the world and learn from an incredible abundance of international talent.
I am deeply grateful to all the artists, mentors, and educators who have contributed to my journey. Each has played a role in shaping the painter I am today.

Website: https://WWW.LARARESTELLI.COM

Instagram: @LARARESTELLIART