Cindy Rubalcava
As a person who enjoys simplicity and minimalism in art, I created my art pieces based on this idea. This includes having a simple negative space in my art and to not let it be overwhelming to the viewer, but rather a simplistic and serene piece. My body of work contrasts life and death, and some focusing more on life itself. The theme that I have chosen for my pieces is nature, and more specifically, the beauty of nature. The art pieces are simple, yet they are symbolic and meaningful.
I have become comfortable with using acrylic paint, and paint in general but decided to experiment with oil paint. I really enjoyed using oil paint as it is very different from other mediums. It had a very thick consistency, and rich colors which allowed a full coverage on the canvas and easy blend. In Cherries, the dark and vibrant colors of red are highly contrasted with the plain white background. The colors are blended smoothly with different shades of red imitating the real colors of the fruit. Poppy Flower Field and Monarch Butterflies work together to show the beauty of nature and scenery. Additionally, they both contain bright shades of orange, and symbolism. The still life containing objects such as the clock, flower, avocado, and cup of coffee was inspired by the vanitas still life which often compared death and life. This was my intention for the still life and to have a style similar to that of 17th century art.
Many factors inspired me, from artists to experiences. I’ve lived in California my entire life, and traveling to local places has inspired me to recreate these experiences. Some of them include the monarch butterfly migration, which we see annually on the west coast. The scenery of the local beaches and hiking trails inspired me to create pieces that show the beauty of nature. Artists that were involved in realism and still life have also inspired me to do pieces based on observational study and being natural. None of the pieces are in black & white, but instead are filled with bright and soft colors. The colors convey a feeling of happiness and youthfulness. They all come together to show the audience a sense of happiness, serenity, and simplicity.