Featured Artist: Ted Garcia

Ted’s style grew out of commercial illustration mixed with a newfound joy of Russian impressionism. He has concentrated to develop the merging of the two styles to create the bold and vivid paintings for which he is known.

In Ted’s words, “I find that Plein Air painting brings a great opportunity to develop an emotional connection with the viewer. The beautiful thing is that the painting is a very personal statement of who the artist is, once a painting is completed. As an example, the simple yet bold brushstrokes may take a painter a lifetime of painting to find the unique voice that only they carry.”

Please visit Ted’s website to view more.

1. Tell us a little about your work and artistic practice?
I am a realistic commercial Illustration by trade but in 2001 I was introduced to Impressionistic studio and Plein Air painting. Since then I have been combining the two styles.

2. How has your creative process been impacted or evolved during the pandemic?
I feel very fortunate that my art has not been impacted by Covid other than not being able to attend art shows or competitions that were canceled due to the pandemic.

3. Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration everywhere I look. Whether it is a simple Plein Air painting of a meadow with flowers or a complex Studio painting of a highly detailed motorcycle I find joy all around me.

4. Do you have a favorite piece of art that someone else has created?
I have a few: Frank Frazetta’s “TANAR of PELLUCIDAR” is one of my favorites. Frank Frazetta was who I tried to paint and draw like in my early career. Another is Fedor Zakharov’s “Still Life with Lilacs” and Don Sahli’s “Piney Lake Texture and Drama”. I also love Amedeo Modigliani and “Portrait of Jeanne Hebuterne”. Each of these artists has had a big influence on how I paint.

5. Tell us about one of YOUR pieces that you have been the proudest of?
One of my favorites is of a motorcycle built by American Choppers/O.C.C called “Fire bike.” I did a painting of this motorcycle as a tribute to the fallen firefighters of 911. I sent it to the guys and they were kind enough to hang it in the main office and do a special hour-long interview under it. I got to see my painting on national TV every week for years. When the band Nickelback did a video called “Rockstar” some of it was filmed with the guys from American Chopper in their shop and in the background you can see my painting.

6. Who are your biggest influences?
Frank Frazetta, Don Sahli, Fedor Zakharov, and Amedeo Modigliani

Meet Ted Garcia

See Ted's Work