About Me
About Me
How Carlos Arriola Swapped Hotel Suites for Paint Streaks
Carlos Arriola's journey as an artist is as colorful and nuanced as the landscapes he paints. Born in the vibrant city of Sevilla, Spain, Carlos's early life was marked by a cultural richness that seeped into his soul. At the age of 11, his family moved to Portugal, a place that would become the backdrop to his formative years and a haven that nurtured his budding artistic spirit. Despite an innate desire from a young age to be recognized as an artist, life led him down a different path.
Carlos embarked on a four-decade-long illustrious career in the hotel industry, rising to the esteemed position of Executive Vice President of a notable hotel company. His journey through the hospitality world, driven by financial necessity, started after he finished his degree at the Lisbon Hotel School and earned a Certified Hotel Administrator credential from Michigan State University. Throughout these years, the canvas awaited, and his passion for painting remained a quiet yet persistent undercurrent in his life.
It wasn't until his retirement and the global pause brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic that Carlos found the time to fully commit to his art. Unfettered by the constraints of his previous career, he immersed himself in capturing the ephemeral beauty of nature, drawing inspiration from flowers, architecture, and the serene freedom he felt walking amidst greenery. This self-taught artist, devoid of formal family artistic influences, honed his skills through relentless practice, painting, and allowing the forces of intuition and love for his craft to guide him.
Carlos's creative process is as organic as the subjects he paints. With a camera in hand or pictures supplied by friends, he translates the vivid scenes from nature onto canvas or pastel paper, allowing viewers to partake in the beauty he sees. His techniques, developed through sheer repetition, embody the nuances of what his eyes capture in the natural world. While he humbly dismisses the uniqueness of his work, audiences find joy and a sense of wonder in his ability to replicate the world's beauty.
Influenced by the likes of Michael James Smith and predominantly Andrew Tischler, Carlos's work showcases his deep appreciation for detail and the natural order of the world around him. His artistic pursuits have seen him participate in prestigious events such as the 2024 World Art Awards and the American Art Awards, where he secured second place in one category and fourth in another.
Carlos's paintings have yet to grace the walls of art galleries, but his work is accessible online via platforms like GALLEA.CA and Artspan.com. While he seeks the right collectors to cherish the nearly 170 pieces he has created over the past five years, Carlos's art continues to receive praise for its loveliness, beauty, and emotive power.
When he's not painting, Carlos indulges in golfing, exploring nature, reading, and weekend travels, activities that further deepen his connection to the subjects he so passionately portrays in his artwork. For Carlos Arriola, art is not just a personal expression but a vital societal element, a medium to foster peace, respect, and acceptance among individuals.
With a steadfast belief in the transformative power of art, Carlos's aspiration is simple yet profound: to share his vision of beauty with the world and find those who will cherish his work as much as he does.
CARLOS’ STATEMENT
As an artist, my work reflects a deep-seated affection and admiration for the beauty found in nature. Whether observing the elegance of architecture or traversing through the seasons, I find endless inspiration in the world around me. Often, the photographs I take—or those graciously shared with me by friends—serve as the seeds for my creations. I predominantly work with acrylics on canvas boards, and occasionally, soft pastels on papers mounted on gator boards. My choice of medium is partly dictated by the constraints of my studio, located in one room of my condo, which limits my ability to use oils due to ventilation needs.
When selecting my subject matter, spontaneity reigns. Much like many artists, I am driven by the moment's inspiration—an unpredictable muse that visits me at any hour. It is in these instances, 9 out of 10 times, that a thought or image compels me to project my vision onto the canvas. The allure of a scene lies in its inherent beauty, whether it be a sprawling landscape, a charming garden, or a single flower jar that captivates my attention.
Colors and light, particularly the ethereal moments of sunsets and sundowns, are powerful sources of inspiration for me. These vibrant displays of nature are moments I strive to capture and eternalize through my art.
In terms of technique, I have no rigid methodologies or structured processes. My approach is one of instinct and impulse, guided only by the melodies of nice music that accompany my work sessions. It is this organic and fluid practice that imparts a unique quality to my artwork, emphasizing the journey of creation as much as the final piece itself.
Ultimately, my art is an ever-evolving dialogue with the natural world, characterized by passion, intuition, and an unyielding pursuit of beauty and expression.
