Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesus Moreno.
Jesus, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have been fortunate to be able to work doing something that I love for the last 35 years. I was born in Madrid, Spain, where at an early age I was privileged to be able to visit great museums of art such as The Prado Museum of Art in Madrid. I learned to appreciate the works of old Masters such as Velazquez, Goya and Sorolla to name a few, as well as revolutionary artists such as Picasso, Dali, and Miro. That was the beginning of what has developed my lifetime love for fine art. I knew at that time in my life that someday I wanted to become an artist.
I remember doing my first life size full body portrait of a young child when I was around 14 years old. I came from a humble family and we did not have the means to buy paints or canvases, however that did not stop me, I used whatever I could find as a surface to paint on, and whatever paint I could get my hands on, house paint, enamel, ink, etc.
My aunt offered me an opportunity to move to the US and to have a better future, so at 16 years old I left my Madrid home and came to the United States. I had to take this opportunity as I knew this could change my life. However, when I was 18 years old, I was in a devastating car accident and the doctors’ questioned being able to save my right arm. I am right handed, so this was crucial as I pictured my painting dream ending. After several successful surgeries, functionality was restored to my arm. Although I did not have the mobility that I had before, I was very thankful for the use of my arm restoring my aspirations of becoming an artist.
After graduation I found my soulmate, at a time when I was literally a starving artist. She immediately loved my work and just as quickly, she bought me dinner. That was the beginning of our 39 years together. Soon after our marriage, I decided that if I was going to reach my goals I would need to have my own business. I started a sign painting business, which later developed into a computer graphic design business. This was not exactly my dream of the arts; however, it kept me creative and painting. We have 10 children and having my own business, and working from home, where I could spend time with my family has been a blessing. Throughout the years I continued to paint and explore new mediums with which to experiment, in that manner, I continued to teach myself about different artistic methods and mediums.
Today, my goal of someday becoming a full-time artist is becoming a reality. I work in my studio every day, creating pieces that I love, works that I hope speak to those that view them. There is nothing more satisfying to me than a person telling me that a painting has a special meaning to them. Each painting I create holds a place in my heart, and at times it is hard to give them up. Only by hearing my collectors tell me of their feelings for the painting does separating from my painting seem easier.
If someone asks me, “What did you want to do when you grew up?” I would simply reply, I am doing it!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has been anything but smooth. As many families, we have had major things to overcome, first was the injury to my arm, then early in life one of our children was diagnosed with childhood leukemia with treatment that lasted about five years. I spent many days in the hospital with him as we had just had our tenth child and my wife needed to be at home caring for the little ones. I learned that I could sketch just as well in the hospital as in my studio. Later, a teen-age daughter endured meningitis and she had to learned to do everything again, this too, was a difficult time. Having many children increases the chances of difficult times but it seems as if we have had more than our share. We are still going through a very challenging time; my wife was diagnosed with ovarian cancer four years ago and she is currently on treatment. During these times, finances were a struggle, and certainly the thought of buying art supplies competed with other pressing needs. My art helped me find a moment of peace during adversity, and these challenges have helped me to view life and the world in a different way, a way that I try to illustrate through my work.
Please tell us about Moreno Fine Art.
My business is “Moreno Fine Art”, and I am an artist. I do not have a single specialization, as I paint in traditional, abstract, and surreal styles and have used a variety of mediums. I have collectors that want my traditional landscape pieces and collectors that are interested in my abstract paintings. My current work is in oil on large canvases and are abstract- surreal and unique. As a company I am proud that the paintings represent part of who I am. I paint each one of them as if I was painting for myself, in fact they hang in my house until time to put them in a show. I accept commission work and I enjoy the challenge of putting into visual form the thoughts and ideas of my customers. I love what I do and I use the very best products to create my paintings, with the goal that they will last long after my lifetime. That alone may not set me apart from others, however, I believe that my latest work is unique, and that puts me where I want to be with my business. I would like to be known for creating unique pieces that mean something different to each person who sees it.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Something I would have done differently, possibly, would be to get a formal education in Fine Art as I had to learn from trial and error. It would have saved me time; however, I would not want to give up what I have been able to accomplish by experimenting. I also believe that it has been easier for me to develop my own style of painting without being influenced by teachers or others who may be set on doing things a certain way. While raising a large family, I could not dedicate the time to get a degree, but thankfully, it is never too late. I am currently working on my Bachelor’s degree and plan to start on a Master’s program next year.
Seeking a mentor, would be on top of my agenda for changes. I would look for someone that knows the art world and with his/her knowledge and influence, have made the path to recognition a little easier. As a lone artist it is difficult to know where is the best place to show your work and how does the selection process occur for many local and national galleries. The Internet has provided a huge possible venue for art work, but no one knows exactly how to select the best venue to reach match customer preferences with painting inventories. I feel I have a unique style that requires someone who wants a truly one-of-a-kind painting in their home or workplace.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.moreno-art.com
- Phone: 469.500.6466
- Email: mailbox@moreno-art.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesusfmoreno/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/morenofineart
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MorenoFineArt
Image Credit:
Moreno Fine Art
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