I interviewed Álvaro on June 12 for this edition of his newsletter. I monitor the stats on his website, and it received the most hits (by far) on the day his interview “How I Became an Artist” was published. You guys want to know more about Álvaro and what encouraged him to become an artist!

***Note: Álvaro always switches to Spanish during interviews. As his native language, he is most comfortable with Spanish. This interview was translated for your convenience.

-Annelise

What is your biggest roadblock to producing paintings?

Noise, especially barking dogs.

Too much noise and too much stimulation. Stuff not related to what I do. It takes me away from what I want. When dogs start barking, I really can’t tune them out.

I do need to be alone while I paint, but I don’t want complete solitude – just to know people are nearby – people that I trust.

Do you have any other challenges?

Actually, people. I love inviting people into the studio to show them my paintings or techniques.

But there are days when I need to be in my bubble so I can deliver a painting on a tight deadline.

On days when I’m in a time crunch, I’ve started locking my studio door. A few times people have opened the door and hit me while I was painting! My easel is very close to the door. So I lock the door when I need to focus.

What helps you stay motivated painting?

Music!

Music helps me get into the “zone” fast. My best paintings are when I was listening to music with my headphones and got into the flow.

Other Artists

I get inspired when I’m on Instagram and YouTube.

The beautiful thing about social media is that you can reach people all over the world. You have access to art studios that are a thousand kilometers away.

You have to be careful and NOT compare yourself to other people on social media. You’ll end up being discouraged because you’re not as fit or pretty or whatever.

I compare myself to who I was yesterday.

I want to be better than I was a week ago, three weeks ago, six months ago.

THAT’S motivation, when you see a painting or portrait that you did a year ago, two years ago, six years ago. You’re not in the same place.

Small sketches

This weekend I did tiny sketches with watercolor markers. Little sketches motivate me and keep my creativity fresh.

Playing guitar

Guitar relaxes me. If I am getting frustrated, I switch and do something else. Artists often have other passions within art.

Inspirational phrases

I enjoy inspirational phrases from artists who are no longer around, especially Van Gogh, Bob Ross, and Leonardo de Vinci. It’s a beautiful legacy.

Testimonials, encouraging phrases, my experiences. I want to leave those footprints behind when I’m no longer around.

Anything else you want to share?

At this point in my life, I feel the necessity to be painting.

Painting is not something I just want, it’s a need for my well being.

It’s like walking. Any activity where you are with yourself, and have personal space.

Also, it’s spiritual for me. It’s my connection with God. I don’t know if it makes sense, but that is how I am connected to my Creator; when I am giving, when I am creating.

I get a joy inside I can’t even try to explain.

Interview by Annelise Wallie, June 12, 2023

Click here to read Álvaro’s interview How I Became An Artist.