Interview
Juan Luis García
Juan Luis García was born in Oviedo, a Principality of Asturias. He is a Spanish artist who trained as an artistic painter at the Caveda Decoration Workshops and the Ana del Puente Art Workshop. Juan has a degree in art history from the National University of Distance Education, UNED.
He is the author of the Art Dimension Painting Collection that was exhibited in four exhibitions in collaboration with the City Council of his hometown, in the Exhibition Hall of the Palacete de La Lila in Oviedo.
Juan has worked with several commercial art galleries, such as the Asturian Cimentada, and at a national level, with the Galeria Gaudi in Madrid and Sky Gallery Arts in Barcelona.
He is currently preparing new projects that will take place soon.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I am an industrial draftsman by profession. I was always attracted to all topics related to the world of design, and art in general. That’s why I chose to participate in many contests, sending my drawings, designs and works of art.
As far as oil painting is concerned, I trained at the Caveda Decoration Workshop with Rosi. Later, I was with Ana Del Puente in her Art Workshop until Covid-19 arrived, at which point I took a parenthesis because of the pandemic. In the future, I hope to continue training to refine my technique and be able to offer more professional works that arouse greater interest from collectors, critics and art lovers alike.”
“I believe in the power of art as therapy. In today's world, mental illnesses are the order of the day, and the benefits of artistic therapies in patients diagnosed with an illness should not be overlooked.”
What inspires you most?
“I am inspired by my experiences and the things that surround me that I like or which catch my attention—a memory, place, building, car, a beautiful woman, etc. In reality, the sources of inspiration are very varied. For example, I have worked on a project dedicated to the motor industry. I looked for inspiration in the world of rally driving, with some of those iconic cars from the 70's and 80's that marked an era, either because of their design or because of their sporting merits. In my latest work, I have been inspired by an Irish soprano singer called Margaret Keys. Skillful and talented people are also a good source of inspiration.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“I do not pursue any particular theme. I think that variety is a joy. Painting can address an infinite number of themes, as has been shown throughout the history of art. If art has a message, it has to be positive or about human values. At least, that's what I'd like it to be.
I believe that art should improve the world around us. Art makes us more human. I cannot conceive of my life without art, without music, or without poetry. Without the opportunity to go to a museum or art gallery and enjoy what you see there. I live in Oviedo, which is a small city compared to the big capitals. But it has the Museum of Fine Arts of Asturias, with a good collection of paintings that I can enjoy for free, and that's lucky. If I had to choose a slogan with a message, without a doubt it would be ‘Art for a better world’.”
How would you describe your work?
“In the painting workshop where I started oil painting, Professor Rosi fundamentally taught us the impressionist style. This can be seen in my first pieces. Then I started enriching my work with other styles such as expressionism, surrealism and Cubism, that is the Vanguards. Basically, painting from the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th.
We learned much by looking at the photographs in my collection of Taschen Art books and specialized magazines. I would go through the art galleries of my city in search of catalogs of the exhibitions of professional artists to inspire me and learn from. I highlight, among others, the Murillo Gallery for the quality of its artists, and the good treatment that Ana and Teresa Delcano always gave me.
Once the Caveda Decoration Workshop closed, I began a new journey at the Ana Del Puente Art Workshop. There, my paintings became more realistic and classic. I was still improving in technique. My pieces no longer had anything to do with the vanguards of my beginnings.
When it comes to my artistic production, I cannot contain myself within a single style. Rather, it’s a variety and mixture—a crossroads or an ‘anything goes’, as one critic said. I have come to define my work as a ‘Classical Crossover Painting Project’.”
Which artists influence you most?
“The influences of Picasso and Dalí can be seen in some of my earlier creations. But there are many artists who have influenced me directly or indirectly, and it would be impossible to mention them all.
A painter that I always liked is Carlos Cobian. The first time I entered an art gallery, I went to see one of his exhibitions. He was walking down the street and one of his paintings was on display in the window of the now-defunct Murillo Gallery in Oviedo. Although I do not emulate his style in my art, his work was an influence for me because it was what triggered me to take oil painting classes. Wanting to learn to paint after seeing the work of a great master is the greatest influence a young person can have.”
What is your creative process like?
"The first thing is the search for the source of inspiration or the idea of what I want to paint. Inspiration can strike you as you work, or in bed ready to sleep. When it comes, I stop what I’m doing to write down the ideas so that I don't forget them by the time I start painting. Other times, I take pictures on the streets and use them as a model in the paint shop. I paint a lot from photography, especially to practice pictorial technique. Looking for inspiration in other works of art is a resource that I use frequently.
However, the best source of inspiration is my imagination. Standing in front of a blank canvas and starting to paint without a model; just letting myself go and enjoying the creation process. I paint one thing, rectify it, change the color, add carmine garanza and earth natural shade, mix with turpentine to make the reddish yellow of Naples, add a little white, and so on. Little by little, I develop the idea, immersed in a creative process that absorbs me and draws me away from the surrounding world.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“In a society like ours, the artist has the responsibility to contribute to a better world through his art.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“I have exhibited my work both locally and internationally.
2021 - Affordable Art Fair, Milano.
- Pilo Poem organized by Mads Milano Art Gallery in Italy. You can view it here.
I was also at the International Contemporary Art Fair, Art3F Paris, France.
My works have been published in the Contemporary Art Curator Magazine, with several images of my paintings showing in the online exhibition: ‘River of Dreams’.”
