Artist Statement
B. 1973, Costa Rican-born American
As an artist, I draw inspiration from my diverse cultural background and personal experiences to create vibrant and captivating works of art. Born in Costa Rica and raised in the arid landscapes of the Atacama desert in Chile, my artistic journey has been shaped by the beauty and contrasts of these environments. I pursued my BFA at the University of Hartford, where I honed my technical skills and developed a deep appreciation for the power of visual storytelling.
My artistic style can be best defined by my latest collection, which focuses on wildlife set against a backdrop of gold and silver leaf. Through this collection, I explore the relationship between nature and the ethereal, merging the beauty of nature with the elegance and symbolism of precious metals. The use of gold and silver leaf not only adds a touch of opulence but also serves as a metaphor for the preciousness and fragility of the natural world.
In another collection, I delve into the vibrant street scenes of Saint Augustine. Drawing inspiration from the city's rich history and architecture, I aim to capture the unique atmosphere and timeless charm of the nation's oldest streets. Through intricate details and a careful interplay of light and shadow, I strive to evoke a sense of nostalgia and a deep connection to the past.
Currently residing in Central Florida, I find myself surrounded by a different kind of natural beauty and cultural tapestry. The dynamic landscape, diverse wildlife, and vibrant communities of this region continue to influence and enrich my artistic work. Through my art, I seek to celebrate the intricate interplay between nature, culture, and human experiences, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and find their own connections within the pieces.
Ultimately, my goal as an artist is to create visually striking and emotionally resonant works that transcend boundaries and speak to the universal human experience. By capturing the essence of places, creatures, and moments, I hope to invite viewers into a world of wonder, curiosity, and contemplation. My art is a reflection of my journey and a testament to the power of creativity to bridge gaps, inspire dialogue, and ignite imagination.
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“Painting The Light”
with Instructor Paulo Jimenez
Oil or Acrylic • Palette Knife Techniques • Beginners Welcome
This is a 4-week class series
Dates: Tuesdays - October 6, 13, 20, & 27, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM to NOON
Tuition Fee for 4 weeks with Credit Card: $125.00 members - $145.00 non-members
Tuition Fee for 4 weeks with Check/Cash: $120.00 members - $140.00 non-members
Classes are limited to 10 students.
Cancellations must be made at least one week prior to the first day of class in order to receive a refund.
No class substitutions or make-up sessions are available.
Register today to secure your spot!
If you prefer to pay by check, please notify the Art League by email in order for us to hold your spot, and make check payable to Art League of Daytona Beach and mail to 433 S. Palmetto Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 along with a completed registration form or you may drop off at the Art League during our gallery hours. For registration form clickHERE.
Payment in full is required before the first class.
Class Description
Learn how to paint one of the most beautiful and important elements in painting: light.
In this four-week class, students will complete two paintings, spending two sessions on each project. Through step-by-step demonstrations and individual instruction, we’ll explore how light changes color, creates atmosphere, defines form, and gives a painting its sense of glow.
Students may work in oil or acrylic and will also learn how to use a palette knife to create expressive shapes, texture, broken color, and luminous highlights.
Weeks 1 & 2 – Painting Light in the Sky
Using a dramatic cloudscape as our reference, students will learn how to create the illusion of glowing sunlight within clouds. We’ll explore value, warm and cool color relationships, atmospheric depth, soft and hard edges, and palette knife techniques.
Weeks 3 & 4 – Painting Sunlight Indoors
Using sunlight entering through a window as our reference, students will learn how to simplify a scene into large shapes of light and shadow. We’ll explore cast shadows, reflected light, warm and cool color, lost edges, and palette knife techniques for luminous highlights and broken color.
Students will learn:
How to see and organize light and shadow
How value creates luminosity
Warm and cool color relationships
Color mixing for glowing light
Soft, hard, and lost edges
Palette knife techniques
How to simplify a photograph into paintable shapes
How to keep a painting loose and painterly
Beginners are welcome and no previous painting experience is necessary. Students bring their own oil or acrylic painting supplies. I recommend two 12" × 16" canvases, one for each project.
For additional questions please contact instructorPaulo Jimenez at j3228107@icloud.com or the Art League at 386-947-7103.
ClickHEREfor Paulo’s Youtube channel.
ClickHEREfor Paulo’s Facebook page.