1. You’re a painter first, what inspires you to paint what you do?
I paint because it makes me happy, there is simple enjoyment in the act. I also paint for my wife, and have been doing so for 26 years now. It's a constant conversation between us. She was the first one who encouraged me to put brush to canvas.
Inspiration comes from my daily life, the dreams my father left behind in Havana, a strikingly beautiful woman or setting, and my family. I'm a visual person, I paint with my eyes.
2. What part about oil paint made you choose it as your medium?
Oil paint is my preferred medium as it's incredibly versatile. You can create an effect that's as strong and opaque as acrylic or as transparent as watercolor.
3. If you had to pick another medium, what would you pick?
If the world ran out of oil paint tomorrow, I'd go back to acrylic. I started out using it, and still work with it as underpaint.
4. How does the gallery scout for new artists to feature?
Honestly, I stay out of that. My wife Stacy, she runs the gallery. Artists approach her, or she approaches them, ultimately it has to do with how she feels about the work, whether or not she has a market for it, and the artists themselves. She has to really like them as people or she won't work with them, no matter how good they are. ...life's too short. Occasionally I'll show her an artist on Instagram that's caught my attention.
5. If there was something about your artistic style you’d want to change, what would it be?
I'm constantly changing my style and way of working, it's great to be able to experiment and try new things, it's how one grows as an artist. Currently, I'm undergoing a major transition in style.
6. What new techniques or things have you gotten into during your time spent at home due to COVID-19?
I've explored a couple of new techniques, and am excited with the outcomes. Apart from that, I do the same thing during quarantine that I did before. Painting. It's a solitary sport.
7. What was the idea behind “Stacy-ing with artists?”
She hates the name, I think it's funny.
"Stacy-ing" was a concept Stacy pitched to a local producer, and it had to do with introducing art and artists to viewers in a way that wasn't stilted, dryly academic and boring. The idea was to explore the world of artists in a way that's relatable to everyone whether they know anything about art or not, in easily understandable terms. Artists are usually in touch with their feelings, most of us look at life in an unusual way. She thinks we're funny, and interesting. I guess the producers agreed.
8. What advice do you have for artists of all kinds out there?
Don't give up, and don't look to others for validation. Do what makes you happy, in art and in life.
