Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriel Portillo.
Gabriel Portillo also known as “Paste,” was born in Alpine, Texas. He currently resides in Alpine, after being in Austin for four years. Growing up in Alpine, Gabriel had the opportunity to take art lessons as a child from a local artist, Charlie Bell. This is when his love for creating was sparked. After three solid years of art lessons, Gabriel and his mother moved to Round Rock for a year then headed to Midland, TX, where he spent his adolescence. Gabriel continued taking art classes in junior high and high school. Mrs. Jane Becker, his art teacher, was very influential to his art education.
After a couple years in college, Gabriel decided to move to Austin to further his career in art. Intrigued by the public and huge street art, his transition into becoming a muralist has become a big part of his focus. All mediums are up for grabs when it comes to creating but his new studio paintings are 100% oil paint. Gabriel’s inspiration comes in many shapes and forms. Music, people, and west Texas have been a big influence as of lately. His work ranges from portraiture, landscapes, and abstraction. Always evolving and constantly keeping an eye out for a new idea to spark, Gabriel continues to show enthusiasm for creating art. His paintings may not always have the same style but they definitely show his skillful and versatile techniques. Each of his pieces are tied together through countless hours of work and thought into each stroke.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to anywhere is never fully smooth. My internal thoughts are what sometimes make me struggle. Jumping out of comfort zones and being open to my own thoughts have helped with creating. Covid especially, but luckily I’m used to being alone in the studio so being able to keep busy has been okay. As artists, the work is never done so it is a continuous battle with yourself, with criticism, and with the work itself. It’s a battle I happen to enjoy. I love it. The thought of never really being satisfied is what keeps me creating and coming back to the battlefield.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in a variety of mediums. I am a studio artist and a muralist. When I am in the studio, I love to use oils, spray paint, and acrylics. There is really no boundary when it comes to mediums for me. When doing murals, its mostly spray paint and house paint if needed. I love to paint people and abstract. Sometimes mixing them two. I am most proud of the ability to translate work in the studio to a wall. I can paint a portrait at the same level on a canvas than I could on a big wall. I feel like the thing that sets me apart is that I can paint any kind of style.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I listen to a lot of music on a very wide range. A lot of indie rock and Jay-Z. I also listen to some comedy podcasts, and Vantage Point Radio, Clean Break, Juxtapoz Radio, which are some art podcasts, Just Kids- Patti Smith, Decoded- Jay-Z, Interaction of Color-Josef Albers, The Tau of Wu- The Rza, are some books I’ve read that I frequently go back and read sections I’ve highlighted… I’m trying to read more books lol.
Contact Info:
- Email: pastecreations@gmail.com
- Instagram: @_.paste
- Youtube: Gabriel Portillo
