weBilly the Otter might be a little guy in a big ocean but that doesn’t mean he can’t leap off the page! Miami street artist Luis Berros is well-known for his fine art renditions of famous characters that are dripping in paint and street art style, making his signature style a mix of urban contemporary art. If you’ve driven in Miami or walked the streets of Wynwood and beyond, you’ve definitely seen his work that looks like it leaped rightout of a gallery and onto a wall. Join this dynamic artist for a fun tutorial as he shows you how to create his character Billy the Otter, right from his very own picture book!
Luis Berros (b. 1970) is a lifelong “semi-native” of South Florida, having been born in Jersey City, New Jersey, before moving with his family to Miami as a child. When he demonstrated ability and an interest in art his parents brought him to an art teacher in an effort to channel his energy away from his other talent, mischief. Spending several years as a student in Lesver de Quiros’ studio he developed his skill working with oil and canvas and gained a sensibility for color, composition and the undeniable power of fine art. In high school Luis was a student of Eric Jenkins at Miami Jackson Senior High, a teacher whose influence still flows in the work he is now creating. As he refined his technical skill along with his knowledge and appreciation of art history, Luis’ own style and interpretive arc began to emerge.
Finding an outlet for his creativity, and a welcoming community in the fledgling graffiti culture of South Florida in the early 1980’s, Luis took part in this emerging art form and experienced firsthand the power of art without limits. Today he has become engrossed by the underlying narrative of his work, which is to accelerate fine art and street art along the same plane and document the collision. When Luis isn’t painting he is living, loving and laughing with his two wonderful children. All of whom have a talent for mischief.
