To become an artist, some need to strive, others receive a God-given talent which is swept under the carpet as they search for better opportunities. Then there are those who take the talent, fight through life's obstacles and achieve their dreams, creating exquisite art. Our artist in conversation today is Nasser Moreno — he is brilliant in his work and has a thirst to learn and impart his knowledge to the next generation. Speaking to him was truly inspiring and we are excited to bring this interview to you!
How long have you been painting?
I have always liked art and for as long as I remember I have been drawing and investing my time in it, but I think it has been about 10 years since I have taken my work seriously and done it with focus.
Who are your biggest influences?
I have a few to name — one influencer is Amy Bushnell. I learnt so much from her; she taught me to do acrylic paintings, oil paintings, and techniques for drawing. Even now, when I do a painting, I sometimes ask her for her feedback and opinion. Also, Pablo Beteta is a brilliant artist — I have a book of his art which is amazing. Armando Morales is another artist who has influenced me. And of course, the Internet!
Did you have a formal education on art and painting or are you self-taught?
I studied informally, followed a few small courses, frequently visited artists' studios or workshops, watched tutorials on YouTube and even downloaded books. I have this passion to learn, and I often go to great lengths. I love to watch reels or videos of other artists on Instagram and learn new techniques.
Do you have a particular style? How did you become so passionate about this particular style?
Some people who observe my art style say that it is simple, but it is a mixture of a few styles given the influence of my teachers. I have named it neo figurative expressionism. I would like to describe it as a day-to-day mix of everything I learn — some techniques and color from my teachers, tricks I learn from the Internet, and my desire and passion to learn and evolve every single day.
What are your other passions other than art? How have these passions contributed to you becoming the artist you are today?
For me, life itself is a passion… but to make it more comprehensive, taking a walk through my city Granada, Nicaragua, and traveling around the country is something I enjoy most. Playing a game of chess with my friends while enjoying a few beers, playing soccer, being with my daughters, and teaching art to children — I see myself reflected in them. The trips, the markets are the Nicaragua that I know — the wooden or colonial houses where time leaves its mark. For me, life is a game of chess and I have painted on this subject as well. Chess teaches discipline, planning, innovation, and to do the impossible with the little we have to create opportunities. For me, art is the column where this pawn will reach the eighth line to become king. My daughters are the main reason I push myself to do more since art helps pay the bills. So it is not only for my own ego.
Could you walk us through the process? Percentage-wise, how much time do you spend preparing for the painting and how much time on the actual painting itself? Is preparation an important part of your process?
I think art is 90% perspiration and 10% inspiration. At times when I see something, I make a sketch depending on what I keep in my memory or on my phone. I investigate the subject if it merits it, play with the composition through sketches, and after meditating briefly I go straight to the canvas and start with the background and then the elements — it's like playing chess. I try not to overthink since sometimes that can ruin the idea. I spend more time with the colors, as the result of the piece depends on the use of color and texture. I always try to create my own signature style. So yes, preparation is an important part of creating a great piece of art.
Are you engaged in new artistic adventures? How is artistic exploration important to you as an artist and to your process? How do you then decide what to incorporate into your style and what you leave as pure fun?
I have always wanted to study and get my bachelor's or technical degree as a visual arts instructor, but it is something I end up postponing due to my other responsibilities and commitments as a parent and teacher. I have learnt to make sculptures and followed tutorials. I hoped to make some sales from what I have already done, but unfortunately, Covid struck and everything slowed down. Artistic exploration is very important, especially if you want to grow. An artist needs to explore new themes and techniques — one who does not do so is similar to a piece in a chess game without a board. I always see how to integrate the new style with the present. Whatever you do, it is important to keep your originality at all times.
Was there a particular moment where you could tell that your skills had just crossed over into being an exceptionally good painter instead of a pretty good painter? What did you do to make that leap?
I honestly don't think I am an exceptionally good painter, but I think I am a good one. It will take more time for me to reach that goal. At the moment, I have to prioritize my family and my full-time career, so I don't have much time to spend on perfecting my art. One day, I hope to dedicate myself exclusively to art, and then hopefully I will be able to achieve my goal. As Plato once said, "Education and learning is the path of perfection," and I am constantly learning…
How do you push yourself? Do you set goals for yourself? And if so, what are the goals? Do you think setting goals is important for an artist in his/her artistic journey? If so, why?
I have been pushing myself constantly. As I mentioned before, I am a primary school teacher and I work every day teaching 26 children Spanish, mathematics, and science. I advertise my work on social networks and I am always looking to improve myself as I look for jobs in signage, murals, or commissioned paintings. I teach art at home in the afternoons and on weekends. So the time for me to paint is limited between 10.00 pm and 3.00 am. It is tiring, but I tell myself to work as it's the only way I can move forward. I look for competitions or projects where artists are needed and make a good proposal. I want to be one of the best artists in the country — that is my goal, and I will work every day to make that happen.
How is your experience working with Aartzy? Do you think it is a useful platform for artists?
Aartzy has been very helpful at all times. Janaka and the team have a very good eye for business and they gave me an opportunity as an emerging artist to display my works, and I am very satisfied with it. It can be a very useful platform for artists like me.
Nasser Moreno's paintings can be purchased via https://www.aartzy.com/artist/nasser-moreno
Manesha Peiris (2021)
