I have always been fascinated by color and the ability to create anything from nothing. I was born in Michoacan, Mexico and color has always been present in my life. I remember the earthy-red tones of terracotta pots that my mom and grandmother used to cook in. I also remember the brightly embroidered napkins and dresses that the women would wear. I left Mexico when I was two years old, when my parents decided that it was time for us to come to the US. When we returned about eight or nine years later, I remember noticing the interiors of the houses were not painted your typical white or beige. Instead, they were painted in bright fuschias, cornflower blue, and chartreuse. I thought the people were crazy. After being there for a while though, it became apparent that these colors were happy, and made your mind wander into a different place.

These days I draw inspiration from nature, my emotions, and every day life. Music is also a key element when I am painting. I have used a variety of mediums and have enjoyed working with them but I find myself at home and the most comfortable with acrylics. They allow me to blend colors together quickly so that I can move on to the next phase of the piece. I can work on more than one piece at a time, using multiple layers and layers of color.

Although I have always enjoyed painting and took art classes all through highschool and college, it wasn't until 2008 that I decided that it was time for me to share my work with others. In May of the same year I had the opportunity to showcase my work for the first time with over 80 artists at one of the largest art shows in Tampa produced by Square One Florida. I have been inspired over the past few years by friends and life. 

In the fall of 2010 I decided that I had the capacity to do a solo exhibition. I was able to show my work at The Bunker in Ybor. I received great feedback by my friends and strangers which inspired me to keep doing something that I love. I was able to sell several pieces and donated a portion of my sales to The Children's Cancer Center of Tampa. In July of 2011, I worked on "Le Jardin" which I donated to a fundraiser for St. Jude.

I am so happy and fortunate that sharing my gift not only inspires me, but can also inspire others. I do hope that the growth in my artwork continues and that I can continue to share the movement of my emotions and daily life through color and canvas.

Jose Alfonso Renteria