Today we’d like to introduce you to Armando.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Since an early age I remember trying to draw characters from Mexican comic books. I was excited when I could draw certain elements in 3D. This motivated me to keep drawing and improve. It was in elementary school that I noticed my teachers praising my work and in particular my second-grade teacher. She would buy me art supplies and art books out of her own money and encourage me to continue and get better.
I was born in Mexico but raised in Los Angeles and Houston where I currently live. Once in Houston I was drawing during all my free time and later applied and attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. It was great creating art daily and learning from all the teachers who were professional artist themselves. After High school I did not attend any more schooling but decided to learn about new mediums and techniques myself as well as study other artist.
Today I practice art daily and am working full time as a freelance artist. I am able to do work for clients in various mediums which has always been exciting for me. From illustrations in traditional and digital mediums to mural work I am thankful and fortunate for the opportunities. I make it a point to learn something from every commission project I do no matter how simple. My goal is to be able to keep creating large scale murals and continue to be involved in public projects.
Please tell us about your art.
I love the surreal and unseen in humans and nature and how this plays a role in my past, present and future. I believe in reincarnation. I let the number 5 guide me and that happens consciously and sometimes not. Women are one of my biggest inspiration and occasionally my only desired audience. I love all animals and they also provide lots of inspiration.
Since middle school my favorite show has been The Twilight Zone. This is also a plethora of inspiration. I cannot recall the last time I had ‘artist block’ because shows like this and film remind me that all I have to do is look around. I am a big fan of cinema and in a way, I approach some of my paintings in the same way a director would. I create characters and place in a setting and let the story develop.
A lot of the time I do not know what my art is about but I am ok with that because once completed it tends to reveal itself. I enjoy hidings messages in my work. Sometimes for me and sometimes for the viewer. I say that I create art for me and it’s a real bonus that people happen to like it. I am now more interested in hearing what someone sees in my work rather than me talking about it.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
To me success is having the ability and opportunity to create art daily and live a positive and balanced lifestyle. I am fortunate to be able to paint for clients and also produce personal pieces. As someone who does commission for clients, and most of my income comes from this, I get the most joy from knowing that I put all my effort into their art and they have a smile on their face upon receiving. Your passion for art has to show in every piece you create no matter who it for.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
A lot of my recent work which are murals are in people’s homes or businesses. I am part of art events and group art shows regularly. You can find me yearly as a participant for the Via Colori festival where I use chalk to create art on the street. You can always visit my Instagram account to see new work posted or updates on events I will be a part of. My website is also updated often.
IG; @armandoarts_5
www.armandoarts.com
Contact Info:
- Address: 10242 Porto Rico Rd.
- Website: www.armandoarts.com
- Phone: 8325244969
- Email: armando@armandoarts.com
- Instagram: @armandoarts_5
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armandocastelan05
- Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/armandoarts5
Image Credit:
“Houston City Bird” on Main Street – pic by Peter Molick
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