I have always been fascinated by color and the ability to create something from nothing. I was born in the state of Michoacan, Mexico and color has always been present in my life. I remember the earthy-red tones of terracotta pots called "hoyas" that my mom and grandmother used to cook in. I also remember the brightly embroidered napkins and dresses that the women would wear. I left Mexico when I was two years old, when my parents decided that it was time for us to come to the US. When I returned at age nine, I remember noticing the interiors of the houses were not painted your typical white or beige. Instead, they were painted in bright fuschias, cornflower blue, and chartreuse with gold stenciling. After being there for a while, it became apparent that these colors were happy, and made your mind wander a different place.
These days I draw inspiration from nature, my emotions, and every day life. Music is also a key element when I am painting. I have used a variety of mediums and have enjoyed working with all them but I find myself at home and the most comfortable with acrylics. They allow me to blend colors together quickly so that I can move on to the next phase or layer of the piece. I can work on more than one piece at a time, using multiple layers of color.
Although I have always enjoyed painting and took art classes all through highschool and college, it wasn't until 2008 that I decided that it was time for me to share my work with others. In May of the same year I had the opportunity to showcase my work for the first time with over 80 artists at one of the largest art shows in Tampa produced by Square One Florida. I have continued to be inspired over the past few years by friends and life events.
In the fall of 2010 I decided that I had the capacity to do a solo exhibition. I was able to showcase a collection of my work at The Bunker in Ybor, which I appropriately titled "Anthology". I received great feedback by my friends and guests at the show which inspired me to keep doing something that I love. In addition to selling several pieces and obtaining a few commission pieces, I was able to donate a portion of my sales to The Children's Cancer Center of Tampa. Over the last few years I have continued to paint and also donate pieces to various fundraising organizations in the Tampa-St. Petersburg area.
I am so happy and fortunate that sharing my gift not only inspires me, but also inspires others. I hope that the growth in my artwork continues to evolve and that I can keep sharing the movement of my emotions and daily life through color and canvas.
© 2000 - 2018 Jose Renteria. All rights reserved.