Guatemala Fine Art Painting, "Native Women"

"I had a joyous childhood growing up in Tiquisate, a paradisiacal place in southern Guatemala. It has nice warm weather and it is filled with palm trees. To me, all was happiness as it inspired in me a sense of freedom.

"I am the daughter of a doctor and a nurse, and I have two brothers and two sisters. Somehow several of us got involved with the world of arts. My older brother has an amazing artistic talent and my youngest sister specializes in handcrafts. She is Monica de Castellanos, a Novica featured artist, and she specializes in ceramic angels.

"I moved to Guatemala City when I was teenager and later, when my two children started to go to school, I took some art classes with renowned artist Miguel Angel Rios. But then I had to give them up to spend more time with the children, and I began to design apparel for women. That was one of the most satisfying periods of my life.

"Eventually I returned to painting with the artist Maria Victoria García and have continued to paint fueled by the same passion I felt when I was a child.

"One of the first paintings I ever did was a still life, in 1974. I never sold it because it is very meaningful to me and it takes place of honor in my house. I’m still passionate about painting and have sold several compositions, given some as presents, and painted a few more for my son so he can decorate his house.

"Painting is a learning process that requires taking courses, keep informed, and above all, experimenting without fear of failure. I am inspired by colors and textures, as well as by everything that is around me. Becoming known as an artist in my own right has been a challenge – an interesting and gratifying challenge.

"I still design apparel, but now only during my free time and I don’t have a workshop anymore. I also enjoy making handcrafts, reading, and decorating my home. I also love planting and looking after violets.

"Personally speaking, what I find most fulfilling is spending time with family and friends, chatting with them and being close. It makes me feel very happy.

"My art has given me many satisfactions and much happiness. I love it when family and friends say they like my canvases, that they feel inspired by them, or they feel invited to reflect on something.

"I'm happy that Novica has invited me to become part of this project, and I hope that my art will reach the hearts of Novica customers. Each of my paintings is borne from my imagination and bears a little piece of my heart, so I hope the composition you chose may transport you to a place of harmony and inspiration."