Rising Stars: Meet Randi Nuanes of Temecula

Today we’d like to introduce you to Randi Nuanes.

Hi Randi, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My name is Randi Nuanes (Luiseño/ Payómkawichum, San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians) and I am a portrait artist. Ever since I can remember, I have been interested in art; growing up in a family full of artists and musicians will do that, I suppose. It wasn’t until I was in high school that I became more serious about portraiture and experimenting with different art mediums. Music (specifically the musical artistry of Sonny Moore), paintings by Charmaine Olivia, and the atmosphere of the skater/ punk scene influenced my art. I started participating in vendor markets a few years ago, most of which are run by 180 Events & Decor (Mya Rodriguez). I painted a portrait for a short film documentary poster in late 2021, which had a festival run that included the Sundance Music Festival. In 2024 and 2025, I submitted my art to galleries in San Diego County and had a solo exhibition at The Merc in Temecula, CA. My goal for 2026 is to keep submitting to galleries, participating in vendor markets, and networking with all of the incredible artists I meet.

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 would say that any artist will face struggles. Sometimes it’s a bit discouraging when you apply to galleries/ exhibitions and don’t hear back or receive a “Denied” notification. Or the art-block that hits you at the most unforgiving times. But honestly, I’ve come to find that if you keep pushing through it, you will find what you’re looking for and eventually hit the goals you have been aiming for. It’s important to have yourself surrounded with other people- whether it’s family, friends, loved ones, or acquaintances- that truly support you throughout the journey. I think one of my biggest obstacles is my social anxiety, so there have been times when I’ve been hesitant to pursue certain opportunities, but with the support of my loved ones, I’ve been able to overcome some of the reluctance I used to let consume me. It’s something that I’m still working on!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love to paint portraits! I get asked if I paint animals (which I do!), but my specialty is in human portraiture. I love to use vibrant colors in a painterly manner and incorporate surrealistic touches. I would say I use a lot of surrealist placements of eyes; it seems to be something people bring up the most when discussing my work. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made over the years. Originally, I stuck to doodling cartoons and avoided [stylized] realistic faces, but when I stumbled upon Charmaine Olivia’s work as a kid, I was absolutely intrigued by it. I became the “doodling a random eye on her schoolwork” girl you see memes about. I continue to practice because, honestly, practice makes progress, and that’s what is important. I don’t think I’m really that different from other people in the sense of my artistry; I make what I like, I experiment with different mediums, and it makes me happy.

What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is being able to share my art with others. I don’t care if I sell it, if it’s 1 person or a hundred who see it- I just really like to share my creations with others, especially when I can see they appreciate it too. I try to keep my market art and commission prices affordable because I know art is expensive (understandably), which can make it less accessible to people. I remember that, as a teenager, I wanted to have original artwork, but (again, understandably) it was expensive and something I didn’t have access to until many, many years later. It’s really neat to see someone stop by my booth or point out a piece of mine in a gallery and get excited about it. Witnessing someone’s joy or connection with my artwork makes it all matter to me.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randinuanesart

Image Credits
Studio ACE, Seaside Tattoo Show, 180 Events & Decor