Art for Optimists by Artist Richard Olivarez

With a modest upbringing and a curious nature, artist Richard Olivarez (itso) only dreamed of greatness. Although the outcome and direction were laser focused as a child, the field of greatness was to be later determined. As an adult a few stumbles distracted the aspiring over-achiever and Richard found himself possession-less and for the most part alone. While temporarily living in a van, Richard found himself at the lowest point of his life. Even in this time of darkness his optimism remained and ultimately aided in his success of pulling himself up from the bottom. This optimism paired with hard work, determination, and forward thinking allowed Richard Olivarez to transform a mediocre existence and transcended the business world on multiple facets. To stay motivated he used his dark nights to fuel his drive to create brighter days.

Eventually achieving his early sought greatness as an accomplished serial entrepreneur, Richard Olivarez set out in search of a hobby to distract him from the high pressure and fast paced daily grind associated with managing multiple businesses as well as his successful career as a Marketing Executive. One of his first loves (other than business) is art. As a child art provided an escape and assisted in the visualization process of future wants and desires. His Grandmother and Father were both painters and this added a touch of nostalgia to the equation. Although his first endeavor into the art world as an adult was building a diverse personal collection including his favorite artists Salvador Dali and Todd White, he quickly picked up a brush of his own and set out once again to achieve greatness.

Richard Olivarez (itso) has lived and traveled throughout the United States, Mexico and Europe. Currently he resides in South Walton at the Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort just outside of Destin, Florida. He lives with the love of his life and his 11 year old son.

itso Art for Optimism is a movement that artist Richard Olivarez created to dedicate time to reflect on the dark nights of his past, celebrate the bright days of today, and prepare for the even brighter days to come. Utilizing only the finest materials and a self-taught technique that incorporates light sculpting and heavy painting these initial handcrafted pieces have been titled the Early Collection. Part of being an optimist and a forward thinker, Richard realizes life is long and these works of art are indeed the early collection. With a distant goal of transitioning into a full time artist he invites you to follow along as his art career develops and progresses.