Artist finds commercial, fine art worlds blend.

Byline: Charlyne Varkonyi Schaub

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. _ David "Lebo" Le Batard was working in Europe recently on a mosaic tile project when he woke up one morning and psychologically pinched himself.

"Hey, I'm an artist and working in Venice," he said in one of those reality vs. fantasy moments.

No one who knows him would be surprised. They describe him as unpretentious with a subtle wit and charming personality. No doubt. He comes off as a regular guy. Deep six the haughty artiste demeanor. This rising star even makes breakfast for his interviewer _ sliced watermelon, toast with hummus and orange juice.

Despite this down-to-earth persona, at 31, the charming dark-eyed, dark-haired Le Batard is almost an institution in the art world.

This Cuban-American artist's paintings were used as a central image for the 2003 Latin Grammys. He has painted murals across the country _ for Calle Ocho in Miami's Little Havana, for Tee-Eva's Creole Soul Food restaurant in New Orleans and for Hart Plaza in Detroit. He's done CD covers for the Spam Allstars and children's mannequins with Ralph Pucci of Pucci International for Burdines. He's even created stained glass …