Artist: Pilar
Title: Key to Paradise
Size: 18" x 36"
Edition: Orginal Artwork
About the Artist: Surrounded by olives, white houses, and the heat of summer, Pilar was born in the warm southern part of Spain, where the colors always seemed brighter. Pilar’s paintings depict an idealistic vision of the natural world and in particular the ocean she so loves. Today Pilar lives in Quincy, MA and when not painting she enjoys taking long walks along the beach and kayaking.

In her own words- I have special memories from childhood when we would take our siesta, when the world would stop for the sake of quiet time. Wintertime gatherings were around the family table with the brasero underneath, listening to my father’s instructions on how to draw and make origami birds. My brother was a big part of my inspiration to become an artist. He started painting when I was little but took a different path later on in his career.

From 1987 to 1992 I was in Italy studying Neapolitan Impressionism, and then moved to Grand Forks, ND where I attended the University of North Dakota under the instruction of Brian Pulsen, a great surrealistic painter and professor.

Since I was very young I loved the work of renowned artists such as Velazquez, Murillo, Caravaggio, and Rembrandt. Rembrandt in particular was my hero and his “quiaroscuro” paintings absolutely amazed me. I also admired the work of Californian Impressionists.

I began painting very realistically and had been experimenting with different styles. Ultimately I’ve been settling into Impressionism. I love the look of a free brush stroke! I usually start drawing a couple of lines and develop from there.

I believe that the soul of the painting is the shift of values, the relationship between dark and light like husband and wife.

I am drawn to blue water, beautiful flowers, animals, and people in their natural surroundings. I believe in making a difference through art expressing concern for our environment and showing respect for other cultures.