Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Fernando's painting "Still life II" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.
From Fernando's DPW Gallery Page:
Fernando Pena is a watercolorist born in Uruguay (South America) and has been painting watercolor professionally since 2002.
His works have been exhibited worldwide.
The main topic we can find are urban landscapes, although you can also find marinas and interiors among his works.
During the period 2011-2013, he was the President of the Uruguayan Association of Watercolor Painters (ACUA). He has taught workshops in the UK, Brazil and Uruguay. He also provides personal online workshops through the Internet.
You can follow his work both on Facebook and on his website at http://fernando-pena.com
Demonstrations and Tutorials free on
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/penagaray/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fernando_pena_acuarelas
Email – fernandopenagaray@gmail.com
What did you want to be growing up?
From an early age I liked to draw and paint. However I graduated from computer engineering at the University in Uruguay. I worked in that profession for many years. But in the year 2000 I decided to return to my passion which was and is watercolor.
When did your artistic journey begin?
In 2000, I decided to devote myself entirely to watercolor painting, returning to my initial vocation.
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| Still life II (click to view) Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the DPW home page announcing Fernando's interview. |
Did you have long periods without creative expression? How did you get back on the horse?
I don't actually have periods when I quit painting. I paint almost every day, it can be a sketch or a painting, but always even a few brushstrokes I have to paint. From those sketches and studies arise watercolors, it is my way of expression and what I try to convey.
Which mediums and genres do you gravitate toward? Which ones don’t appeal?
My main subject is urban and marine scenes. Anyway, I dabble in other subjects such as still lifes and portraiture.
Although I have painted oil and acrylic, watercolor is the medium that gives me the greatest satisfaction. Watercolor requires planning and very quick execution, every brushstroke is important and keeping the light a challenge. Another aspect that attracts me is the ease that watercolor offers to paint plain air. Keeping moisture in the paper is essential to achieve an excellent result.
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| Bucolic (click to view) |
What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice?
The style cannot be forced, it is acquired with the continuity of the painting. Of course there is the influence of painters that you like. But the style is like calligraphy, each of us has our own identity, and this cannot and should not be copied. Your own style comes naturally
Name an artist (or artists), well-known or not, who you admire. Why?
There are many references, but to name a few: Winslow Homer, Charles Reid, John Yardley, Chien Chung Wei, Joseph Zbukvick. All of them with different styles but with a total mastery of the technique.
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| Woman (click to view) |
If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self — what would that be?
Paint, create, dream. Receive criticism to grow but never to stop.
Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?
There is no procrastination if you do what you love.
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| Two Boats (click to view) |
In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward?
What we do is not always recognized. The important thing is to be convinced that what we do has value. Always trust yourself.
What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?
Right now my goals are short and medium term. Walk a path of continuous improvement and have greater participation in international exhibitions.
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| Cafe (click to view) |
What does success mean to you personally?
Success for me is to make my painting transmit sensations, feelings. For me and the viewer.
What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?
The first prize won and my first international exhibition in Shanghai.
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| Minas (click to view) |
Thanks, Fernando!
© 2021 Sophie Marine
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