Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Echeverri.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was five years old, my parents and I would walk by an art class at our local mall, and I’d always stop and point out the paintings I liked through the window. So they thought, “maybe she should try these art classes.” I remember seeing the oil painters and thinking how exciting it would be to paint like them, but it took me a few years to get there. I started working with charcoal, pastels, watercolors, and eventually, I made my way up to the last and most exciting medium – oils. I have been oil painting for over 15 years and have found art to be one of my favorite outlets to express my creativity and love for the outdoors.
Despite painting being my favorite hobby, I never thought of turning art into a career and ended up studying nutrition, which I also love! The first time I thought about selling my paintings was in graduate school. I was getting my master’s in nutrition and spontaneously applied to an art market in Ventura to share my artwork with a different audience. From there, I expanded my art sales, created a website, participated in other markets, exhibited my work in galleries, and received requests for custom paintings. My entire perspective on art changed. I am endlessly grateful for all the opportunities to share my passion with the world and grow as an artist!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think the biggest struggle is knowing how unclear this path is. There is no outline or handbook to becoming a successful artist but there is also excitement in designing your own path to reach your goals. Every day I am learning and practicing new skills as a small business owner, and as bumpy as this road may be, being able to do what I love makes the ride so worth it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My love for landscapes, nature, and details is what drives me to paint. There is nothing better to me than having pieces of my favorite places at home, ones that I may not be able to visit but can at least look at every day. My work is meant to capture the moments, memories, and feelings that landscapes evoke from all over the world – to bring a sense of peace and beauty into the home.
What matters most to you? Why?
My support system. It would be much more challenging to stay motivated, feel inspired, and keep painting if it weren’t for the people who support my dream to grow as an artist. I owe so much of my success to them!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.monicaecheverri.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicaecheverri/
