Utilizing the tools of street art meets pop art has given me the nickname among my friends as the “Spray Paint Lady” – since the art I create is done only with spray paint. Mostly portraiture, every piece is done with a mix of hand-cut, multi-leveled stencils and free hand spraying/painting.

I have no history of formal art training, but I come from a family of artists and writers where, since I was a little girl, I was taught to embrace my passion for art. I painted with no idea of where it would take me, often switching mediums, techniques and styles in search of something that would fulfill this need in me. It was in one of those moments 10 years ago, after meandering in the back streets of cities and tracking down murals that I found my lifelong inspiration – and I became a spray paint artist.

My technique enables me to precisely construct many layers of stencils over stencils, spraying lifelike images on canvas and clothing. This multi-layering of grey-scale is what makes my portraits come alive. It is through this meticulous cutting of detailed layers that the relationship between the subject and the painting is revealed.

Each subject I have chosen reflects the neighborhoods that I have lived in, the places I have traveled, the culture we live in and the people I have interacted with. But it is not just about an accurate depiction. It is about revealing the depth of the subject and exposing something unexpected through my unique process which crafts and merges each new layer together.

I was born and raised in NY, NY where I turned towards community service during college and then became a disaster first responder with AmeriCorps. I came to D.C. in 2009 after my terms ended, becoming an Operations and Volunteer Manager where I have been working within the DC nonprofit community since. However, over the years, my desire to pursue painting has taken on a life of its own.

In 2015 I decided that now was the time to make my passion my life. I became a full time artist making my living from the sale of my collection pieces and commissions. I have displayed my artwork in exhibitions and have been a featured artist throughout D.C. events.

However, the world is now changing during covid times, and I have decided to make my art more accessible in other creative and affordable ways. Thus my own small business, the Spray Paint Lady etsy shop, was born!

I currently offer hand spray painted custom designs on my favorite women's tee as well as canvas tote bags. Future original canvas pieces and other painted personalized items will be coming in the future! Please check back for future listings or reach out to request something you don't see that I can create for you.

All my love and regards with hopes you are all taking care of yourselves,

Ari Krasner