Today we’d like to introduce you to John Galan.
“The brush found my fingertips before I can remember anything else. Every time I paint, I am discovering a new part of me, an extension of myself which I can share with the world.” – John Galan
John Galan is an International Contemporary Fine Artist located in Los Angeles County, California. He has painted and exhibited his artworks globally in places like Tasmania, Portugal, New York, Australia, and New Zealand. Galan has been teaching Art for the last three years within: California Public School system(s), Corporate Industry, and Non-Profit organizations. He Studied at California Art institute under the mentorship of Master Portrait Artist Johanna Spinks. In 2014, he graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Studio Art from California Lutheran University.
Invigorating, transcendent, and luminous, his work invokes the portrayal of the human spirit. Using high chroma hues influenced from his Mexican heritage, Galan’s painting style combines his classical upbringing of western European realism with Native American (Mexican) and Pre-Colombian Art (and design). Other works focus solely on modern portraiture usually incorporating symbolic references such as; location, weather, clothing and other cultural identifiers to reflect an individual’s personality and roots.
Please tell us about your art.
My keen fascination for the human form and the emotive features of the face have greatly influenced my subject matter. I paint alla prima using the traditional medium of oil paint. Characteristics include: vibrant hues and the use of symbolism to stimulate and peak the viewers interest. Common themes depicted deal with the inextricable connection between humans and nature. By illustrating portraits and figures in the landscape setting I hope to capture the qualities and essence of the location geographically, historically, culturally, and personably. Some ways my art depicts this is by portraying personal life experiences including but not limited to Family, my Mexican-American heritage, environmental ethics, and politics.
We often hear from artists that being an artist can be lonely. Any advice for those looking to connect with other artists?
Practice painting outside! The other day I made a new Artist friend while going on a hike. They were painting the coastline and I went over and complimented them for their superb painting skills. We talked for a few minutes and ended up exchanging info. The next week we met up and did some plein air painting together. Don’t be afraid to share your art on social media, comment on works you like. Engage others with positive vibes. You can also go to underground art shows. There are so many talented souls out there. You just have to take the time to look.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JohnGalan.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johngalanart/?hl=en
Image Credit:
John Galan
Jane Birnbaum
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