Artist paints with passion

Zoe Otero started painting as a pastime when she lived in Mexico.

By the time she retired and enrolled in art classes at the University of Puerto Rico, creating art had become a passion.

At 84, Otero remains active in the local art community, showcasing her Latin-themed paintings at exhibits across the Tampa Bay area.

She specializes in creating vivid landscapes bathed in the warm, rich colors of the tropics and subtropical Tampa.

A collection of Otero's paintings are on display this month at the New Tampa Regional Library, an honor she accepts as the North Tampa Arts League's featured artist of the month at the Cross Creek Boulevard library.

"Her art is vibrant, strong and reflects her heritage from Puerto Rico," said Linda Hugues, publicity chairwoman for the North Tampa Arts League. "She is an inspiration because of how active she is."

Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1925, Otero grew up on the inland nation, where she studied to become a medical-records librarian.

When Otero was married in 1953, she decided to dedicate her life to her family. Most of her activities were focused on raising her children, Zoe, Zinia and Jose.

She served as a Girl Scouts leader and taught sewing. All the while, her love for art and painting grew.

Otero took her first painting class in Mexico. She returned to Puerto Rico, where she and her husband, Ismael, took art classes at the University of Puerto Rico. They also became members of the Landscaping Association of Puerto Rico and participated in arts exhibitions in San Juan and other nearby towns.

Otero took a break from painting when the family moved to Orlando about 15 years ago. She worked as a vacation planner for Universal Studios.

Otero's desire and energy for painting returned when she relocated to Tampa eight years ago. She is an active member of the Enrichment Center, North Tampa Arts League, and Coalition of Hispanic Arts.