Pittsburgh, PA — In the heart of Lawrenceville, a bustling Pittsburgh neighborhood known for its artistic vibrancy, Ally Bartoszewicz has found her creative sanctuary. Her journey from a high school art enthusiast to a full-time artist is a testament to the power of embracing one’s passion and the courage to step into the unknown.
Growing up in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, Ally always had an affinity for art. “I’ve been painting my whole life,” she recalls with a smile. But like many creatives, her journey wasn’t straightforward. Initially, her talent for replicating reality earned her praise—her hyper-realistic pieces were celebrated for their technical skill. Yet, as Ally matured, so did her desire to break free from those constraints. “I would get more praise when my pictures looked like photographs…but that’s not what my heart wanted to put on the canvas,” she admits.
The turning point came about five years ago when Ally gave herself permission to stray from realism, embracing a more expressive, vibrant approach to her work. “It was a matter of growing up and having experiences that made me lean back into who I actually am,” she says. Her art began to reflect not just what she saw, but what she felt—bold colors, thick brush strokes, and an essence of whimsy that captured the emotional resonance of a place or moment.
For Ally, her art is more than just a visual representation; it’s a form of meditation, a celebration of awe, and a reflection of her inner world. “I find it to be a really healing modality,” she explains. “It’s a way to pour deep, positive feelings into something tangible, something that can be shared.”
The pandemic became a catalyst for her transformation from hobbyist to professional artist. Teaching at the time, Ally found herself exhausted, turning to painting as an emotional outlet. Soon, people were reaching out, eager to purchase her work. “It was this realization that I could make a living off of this,” she says. By 2021, she took the leap, acquiring a business license and officially becoming a full-time artist.
Ally’s art, while rooted in acrylics on canvas, transcends traditional boundaries. Her pieces are alive with vibrant hues that evoke not just a scene but an emotion. One of her favorites is a painting of the Vintgar Gorge in Slovenia. “Of all the places I’ve been, Slovenia was the most beautiful,” she reflects. The piece is a celebration of her time there, filled with colors that capture the serenity and awe of her experience.
As Ally speaks about her work, it’s clear that each piece is deeply personal. She acknowledges a struggle familiar to many artists: the attachment to one’s own creations. “Sometimes I think it’s silly to get so attached,” she laughs. “But then, when someone connects with a piece at a show and wants to take it home, that’s the coolest experience. I’ll never take that for granted.” For her, art is not just a career but a way to spread positivity and human connection, a sentiment she feels the world needs now more than ever.
Beyond her vibrant canvases, Ally is expanding her creative reach. Her work is currently displayed at local hotspots like Songbird Artistry and Colombino Coffee, where her celebrated Slovenia piece can be found. She’s also collaborated with local shops like Love, Pittsburgh and PGH Candle to create prints, cards, and even candle designs.
But one of her most exciting ventures is on the horizon: Ally will be showcasing her art at Pittsburgh’s iconic Light Up Night, a cherished annual event that kicks off the holiday season. “It’s surreal,” she beams. “I’ve been going to Light Up Night my whole life, so to be a part of it now as an artist is a full-circle moment.”
As Ally prepares for the festive season, she’s focused on continuing to spread the joy and inspiration that her art brings. And for anyone wondering whether a career in art is feasible, she offers a reassuring message: “Art can be a stable, legitimate career, just like any other. It’s about believing in yourself and finding the community that will support you.” In a world where the arts are often undervalued, Ally Bartoszewicz is proving that a life painted in vibrant colors is not only possible but essential.
For more information about Ally’s work, explore her shop at
https://local-good.com/artist/ally-bartoszewicz-art/ or catch her at her tent during Light Up Night in Downtown Pittsburgh.