Featured Artist Telagio Baptista

Watercolor artist Telagio Baptista shares a masterful collection of paintings using atmospheric techniques. View more of his work on his website.

 

 

I fell in love with the transparency and color-blending qualities of watercolor during my time at art college, where I was awarded a scholarship to the San Francisco Art Institute.

 

 

After graduating, I stepped away from watercolor painting for twenty years while managing a graphic design studio in Hawaii. Now that I’ve returned to the mainland, I have moved on from graphic design and feel free to pursue my ultimate passion: painting.

 

 

There was a critical moment in my life when I realized that with hard work, I could reach the same level as artists competing on the global stage. That moment came when I won awards at international, national, and regional juried art shows and earned signature status along the way.

 

 

I have focused on painting cultural portraits. Their distinct facial features enable me to create realistic representations in fine art. I am always on the lookout for the next inspirational and expressive face.

 

 

My body of work encompasses a range of styles, including realistic and impressionistic seascapes, architecture, landscapes, portraiture, and figurative paintings. While the styles differ, they all aim to evoke a sense of expressive blend and flow using a limited color palette.

 

 

My work delves into themes of connection and isolation, inviting open interpretation of the subject matter. The seascape and landscape paintings highlight continuous movement rather than simply presenting images, resulting in uniquely expressive artworks.

 

 

All of my paintings are with watercolor on paper. A number of my paintings are in private and public collections. My primary objective in my work is to create mysterious and inviting atmospheres, which I achieve by using rich values, multiple layers, and a variety of brush techniques.

 

 

I want my paintings to be experienced on a deeper level, allowing viewers to connect with their emotions more profoundly. I’m having a wonderful time organizing exhibitions and hosting watercolor workshops in Nebraska and the surrounding states! It keeps me on my toes, and I love it!

 

 

I remain open to new perspectives on breakthroughs and human connection as an artist. My best work is still ahead of me.

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