Today we’d like to introduce you to Michel Cruz-Garcia
Michel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Michel Cruz-Garcia, an artist with a deep love for expressionist and abstract oil paintings. Born and raised in the heart of Los Angeles, I found my passion for art during my high school years — and I’ve been chasing that spark ever since. After earning my bachelor’s degree in art, I set out to create pieces that speak louder than words — and I’ve never looked back.
My artistic style plays between expressionism and abstraction, resulting in bold, vibrant compositions that are full of energy and emotion. Every piece I create is a glimpse into my personal experiences, childhood memories, and everyday life — all wrapped in colors that tell their own story.
I believe art should make you feel something — whether it’s curiosity, nostalgia, or something you can’t quite put into words. That’s why my creative process always starts with precise sketching and drawing, making sure everything aligns just right before the paintbrush hits the canvas.
I’ve had the honor of participating in several exhibitions, and while I’m grateful for those opportunities, my next big goal is to host my very own solo exhibition — a space where my vision can take center stage.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like anything in life, my journey hasn’t been without its challenges — but I believe those struggles have only made me better. I’ve learned that hardship is essential; it pushes you to prove what you’re truly capable of.
One of the biggest challenges as an artist is being your own biggest supporter. Balancing time between marketing yourself, creating content, and building an audience can feel overwhelming — and just when you think you’re done, you remember you still need to paint. This is where discipline becomes crucial. It’s easy to feel discouraged or lose focus, but the key is to stay grounded, keep your head down, and keep creating.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My art aims to capture the essence of life — shaped by my personal experiences, childhood memories, and everyday moments. Whether I’m capturing a serene natural scene or exploring the complexities of human life, my work is designed to offer viewers a breath of fresh air — an invitation to pause, reflect, and imagine a different story.
Through my paintings, I hope to inspire appreciation for the people, animals, and natural world that deserve our care and protection. Ultimately, my art seeks to evoke emotion and ignite fresh perspectives on the human journey.
How do you think about happiness?
I believe true happiness often comes from life’s simplest moments — reading a good book, discovering new music, or sharing time with loved ones. Life is made up of these fleeting experiences, and if we don’t make them count, we risk missing out on what truly matters.
Today, many people seem to chase temporary joys found in material things — moments that feel fulfilling but often leave us wanting more. Through my paintings, I strive to highlight the importance of cherishing our relationships, especially with our elders. Time has a way of slipping by, and too often we find ourselves wishing we had spent more of it with those we love — sometimes when it’s too late.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michelcruzgarcia.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michel_cruzgarcia/
