Artist Spotlight: Felix Burgos
Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an artist? What sparked your interest in art?
I discovered my ability to draw when I was about 7 years old. One of my uncles ‘Ray’ was a painter. A hobby mostly. I was fascinated by his ability to paint that seascape with seagulls. I was hooked. I attended Music and Art H.S. in Harlem. Quite the commute from Brooklyn. But I loved it there. From there I was accepted at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology). I majored in Advertising design. I still loved fine art but didn’t want to be a starving artist. My painting style today has been greatly influenced by the 40 plus years as a graphic designer in advertising. Advertising was also the driving force behind my motivation to start painting again. It helped relieve the stress I felt working in that industry. My paintings became my escape.
Who are your biggest artistic influences, and how have they shaped your work?
I love Hockney’s sense of color and Kandinsky’s abstract shapes and how they play off of each other.
Could you describe your creative process? How do you typically begin a new piece?
I’ll usually start with a very rough sketch. I then work in Photoshop to refine the layout. I work in a hard edge style and work mostly in acrylics. Any figures in my work are created in oil.
What are some key tools or materials you use in your work and why are they important to you?
I’ll sometimes work with linen canvas but mostly on a cotton canvas. Oils, acrylics and lot’s of tape. Acrylics dry quickly and are great for hard edge painting for that reason. Oils are great for figures or any subject that may need blending since the dry time is much longer. It allows me to step away and revisit the subject. Sometimes you just need to walk away.
What has been the most challenging project or phase in your career? How did you overcome it?
The most challenging phase in any painters career, is finding your voice. I struggled with this for several years. You need to find your own style and be able to replicate it no matter the subject. I want someone to be able to walk into a room and be able to say ‘that painting there was created by Felix Burgos.’
Can you share a particularly memorable moment in your artistic career?
I didn’t know if anyone would be interested in my style of painting. Low expectations was my approach as a fine artist. So, I uploaded a few paintings in Saatchiart.com. Why not, it’s free. With over 40K artists and over 100k works of art in their site, I would have been happy if I got a few views considering all the choices an art collector would have. Within a few months I sold my first painting to a collector in Boston. And several months after that, I was featured in one of their publications and sold a few more. Today I’m no longer selling on Saatchi. But had a great start with them. Thank you Saatchi.
How do you balance the commercial aspects of being a professional artist with your creative process?
The selling part is still a challenge for me. A gallery needs to have the right fit. A Gallery may not be a good fit for your type of work.
What advice would you give to artists trying to gain more exposure for their work?
Try getting into local shows, even a show like ‘The Other Art Fair.’ There, you’ll network with many young artists. But, do not give your work away. It takes a great deal of time to create. Get paid for it.
How important is community to your work as an artist? Are there any groups or networks you’re a part of?
I was a part of the Advets for Veterans. But not much else. I do plan on doing more.
Have you collaborated with other artists or brands? What was that experience like?
No collaboration on work. But I have managed to be represented by a few galleries recommended by other artists I network with.
If you could change one thing about the art industry, what would it be?
Most galleries are on a 50% commission. Ouch. Not sure how we can change that. But selling on your own is an option. But challenging.
How do you stay motivated and inspired to continue creating new work?
Visiting Museums and Galleries. It can be very inspiring. Living in NY makes it that much easier for me.
What upcoming projects are you excited about? Can you give us a sneak peek into what’s next for you?
I recently showed at ‘Art On Paper’ in New York. That was such a great experience for me. My work may be shown at CONTEXT Art Miami this year. Hope that goes well.
Where do you see your artistic journey taking you in the next five years?
Not quite sure, but hoping that my new Gallery representation in South Hampton NY, has an audience for my work. The spring in 2025 will be a time to find that out.
How has working with The Stackhouse impacted your work or opened new opportunities for you?
Love the quality of the work. And I see there are some packages I may try and take advantage of as I try and sell more on my own.
What do you think about the role of technology, like high-quality art printing, in today’s art world?
The high-quality scanning and printing has given me a whole new source of revenue. Not everyone has the ability to purchase an original piece. So, a limited edition archival print is a great option for them.
www.FelixBurgos.art