BD would like you to meet Richard Blanco, our next featured artist. Richard stops creating amazing art long enough to fill us in on his story.
BD:Where do you live?
Richard Blanco:I currently live in Port Saint Lucie, Florida
BD:What form does your art take?
Richard Blanco:I like to paint with acrylic, oil and water colors, but I also do some drawing, and digital design.
BD:What are your other hobbies, and are they related to your artwork?
Richard Blanco:I grew up in coastal Palm Beach, Florida spending lots of time snorkeling and fishing, which really influenced my love for the water. I still fish whenever I can, bass fishing is what I mostly have time for these days, but I also love to inshore and offshore fish. I also like going on long rides on my road bike.
BD:How did you get started and what was the evolution of your style?
Richard Blanco:I’ve been drawing and painting so long that I can’t remember not doing it. My first formal training started with after school art classes when I was about 8 years old. I eventually received my bachelor’s degree in fine art from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. What’s funny is that as a kid I would paint boats, fish and nature scenes. Then as I progressed with my skills, I created mostly abstract work.
Now I’ve done a full 360 and I’m back to painting fish and nature scenes.
BD:What goals do you have for your artwork, what does the future hold?
Richard Blanco:When I was younger I really thought the end goal was to show my work in galleries, which I was fortunate enough to accomplish. But now I just want my art to go wherever it can be enjoyed by the most people and do the most good, regardless of whether it’s on a t-shirt, a poster, or hanging on a gallery wall. I’m hoping that the future holds a wide variety of opportunities that will let my art create a positive impact.
BD:Is there a message or theme behind your artwork?
Richard Blanco:There’s not much of a message behind my work other than hoping people would take more time to appreciate nature.
BD:What or who inspires you?
Richard Blanco:Nature, especially the tropical waters of South Florida and The Keys. I’m also really inspired by other painters too. I love abstract painters like Clyfford Still and Frank Stella but I also am really inspired by realistic painters like Don Ray & Stanley Meltzoff. My wife and my mother have also been huge inspirations for me. They’re encouragement and support keep me going.
BD:What has been the hardest project, or what is the hardest aspect of you art?
Richard Blanco:The hardest part of painting for me is trying to accurately capture how light bounces off everything underwater – Its always a challenge for me.
BD:What brings you the most satisfaction or sense of accomplishment?
Richard Blanco:For me it all comes together when somebody connects with the work. When a piece reminds them of a fond memory, or gets them telling a story… that’s gold.
You can follow Richard at [email protected] or see more of his work at RichardBlancoArt.com.
