LOST SOUL ARTIST: ROBERTO CISNEROS

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Each live sketch will take approximately 10-15 minutes. At live events a picture would be taken and I would create as you are enjoying the event

LOST SOUL ART MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of LOST SOUL ART is to create art that captures the authentic essence of people and places. Whether I'm painting a live portrait at an event or creating a piece of street art under my brand, Lost Soul Art, my goal is to transform a fleeting moment or an overlooked space into a lasting work of art that connects with the viewer and reminds them of the beauty in the present.

"I don't just capture a likeness; I capture a life. I am a portraitist of the soul, telling a person's story in a single frame."

My Inspiration:

As a street artist and live portrait artist, my work serves as a public manifestation of my inspiration, deeply rooted in the ethos of urban artist culture. I harness the dynamic energy of the city to create live portraiture that captures the true essence of its inhabitants, revealing beauty in everyday moments. I am committed to making art accessible, and through my muralist projects and public art, I aim to foster meaningful connections with audiences. This creative process, which I define as a form of urban expressionism, transforms transient urban experiences into enduring and impactful works. Ultimately, my contemporary art pays tribute to the city’s cityscapes and the human narratives they embody.

LOST SOUL ARTIST BLOG

#1.

The Concrete Canvas: A Day in the Life of a San Francisco Street Artist

Written By: Roberto Cisneros 08/09/2025

The fog hangs heavy in the air most mornings here in San Francisco, a familiar embrace as I gather my gear. Being a street artist isn't glamorous, but it's a damn honest way to live and create. My name is Roberto Cisneros, and the city's sidewalks are my studio.

There’s a ritual to getting ready each day. It’s not just grabbing a brush and some paint. It’s a strategic packing operation. Some days, it’s the full artillery: a lightweight easel, a couple of stretched canvases, my trusty backpack overflowing with spray cans, acrylics, and a water bottle for cleaning brushes (and staying hydrated!). Then there are the more… unconventional days. Inspiration can strike anywhere, anytime, and sometimes my "canvas" might just end up being the spare pair of jeans I’ve got tucked away. Don’t knock it ‘til you’ve seen a wearable watercolor masterpiece! And of course, my beloved watercolors are always close at hand for those more intimate, detailed pieces.

Once the pack is secured – feeling somewhere between a turtle and a mobile art supply store – I head out. My destination of choice is usually the Castro. There's an energy there, a vibrancy and acceptance that resonates deeply with me. As a gay artist, it's where I feel most at home, surrounded by a community that appreciates the raw, unfiltered expression of street art. It's where I feel seen.

Setting up shop is a performance in itself. Finding the right spot – good light, decent foot traffic, and hopefully, a wall that won't get me chased away too quickly – is the first hurdle. Then comes the unpacking, the arranging of my work, the hopeful glance towards passersby.

The truth is, life as a street artist is a rollercoaster. Some days, the energy is electric. People stop, genuinely interested in my work. Conversations flow, connections are made, and yes, sometimes those connections translate into someone taking a piece home, or commissioning something new. Those are the days that fuel the fire, the days that make the hustle worthwhile.

But then there are the quiet days. The days where people rush by, lost in their own worlds, barely giving my artwork a second glance. The days where my pockets remain stubbornly empty. It can be discouraging, no doubt. You start to question your work, your place, your ability to make it in this tough city.

Yet, even on those slower days, there's a unique magic to being a street artist. The constant interaction with the community is invaluable. Someone might stop to offer a kind word, a suggestion, or even just a nod of appreciation. I’ve had incredible conversations about art, life, and everything in between, sparked simply by a piece I’m working on. People share their interpretations, their feelings, and sometimes even their own artistic aspirations.

This ongoing dialogue, this constant feedback loop, is what truly helps me grow. It pushes me to experiment, to see my work through different eyes, to connect with people on a deeper level. It’s a raw and honest form of artistic development, honed on the concrete canvas of San Francisco.

Being a street artist isn't about chasing fame or fortune. For me, it’s about the freedom of creation, the direct connection with my community, and the constant evolution of my craft. It's about leaving a little piece of my soul on the streets of this incredible city, one brushstroke, one spray can line, one wearable watercolor at a time. And for that, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Tutorials

Interested in learning how to be a better artist?

Well, now is the time to unleash your inner artist! Join my fun and friendly art tutorials for all skill levels. Learn painting, drawing, and more in a supportive environment. Let's create something beautiful together. Tutorials coming soon!