About

Artist Statement

I´m a classical realist still life and trompe l´oeil painter. I´m inspired in painting highly detailed paintings full of humor, symbolism and nostalgia. I find inspiration in objects that I find and collect, I want each and every one of them to be able to tell a story.

I use toys, currencies, playing cards, figurines, souvenirs, vintage and all kinds of objects. I want to take the viewer on a trip to my world and imagination…I want to fool them, entertain them and make them smile!

Bio

Jose was born in El Salvador in 1974. He has been drawing since the age of 7 and painting since he was 21 years old. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California. He has taken classes and workshops with Tony Curanaj, Justin Wood, David Gray, Sean Cheetham, Michelle Dunaway, and Mayra Barraza.

He has won first, second and third place awards in Torrance Artists’ Guild “Small Treasures category” and was invited by Ugallery to participate in the Affordable Art Fair show in the fall of 2017 in New York. He is being represented by the online gallery Ugallery.
His paintings can be found on collections in the United States and El Salvador.

Gallery Representation

Jose is being represented by the online gallery Ugallery

Exhibitions:
  • 2018
    • Torrance Artist Guild 29th Fine Arts Show, Torrance, CA
  • 2017
    • Torrance Artist Guild 28th Fine Arts Show, Torrance, CA
    • Affordable Art Fair, Ugallery, New York, NY
  • 2016
    • Torrance Artists’ Guild 27th Fine Arts Show, Torrance, CA
    • 31st No Big Heads Show, Hugh McPeck Gallery, Anchorage, AK
    • Annual Community Art Show, Palos Verdes Library, Palos Verdes, CA
  • 2015
    • Torrance Artists’ Guild 26th Fine Arts Show, Torrance, CA
    • BAA´s 29th Annual Open Competition, Buenaventura Gallery, Ventura, CA
  • 2014
    • Torrance Artists’ Guild 25th Fine Arts Show, Torrance, CA
    • Lucky 13 National Small Works Show, Mesquite, NV
    • Earthly Possesions Online Exhibition, Linus Gallery, Laguna Beach, CA
Awards:
  • 2018
    • Honorary Mension, Small Treasure category, Torrance Artists’ Guild 29th Fine Arts Show
  • 2017
    • First Place, Small Treasure category, Torrance Artists’ Guild 28th Fine Arts Show
  • 2016
    • Second Place, Small Treasure category, Torrance Artists’ Guild 27th Fine Arts Show
  • 2015
    • Third Place, Small Treasure category, Torrance Artists’ Guild 26th Fine Arts Show
  • 2014
    • First Place, Small Treasure category, Torrance Artists’ Guild 25th Fine Arts Show