Leonor Braga — ARTIST

Leonor Braga

Interview with artist Leonor Braga —

“Splendor”

1. Who are you and what do you do?
I am a Psychologist,  and a self-taught artist. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela. As a child, I immediately became interested in art, although never actually pursuing this interest. As a young adult, I worked in the field of Human Resources, working for various executive firms. I painted in my free time for all those years. I am a firm believer that 10% is talent but 90% is hard work and dedication.

 
After years of consideration I made a big decision to move to the United States due to Venezuela’s political situation. One day I stumbled upon some old paintings I had once made myself and treasured. Since that day, I knew I would paint for the rest of my life. I developed my style creating designs found in our natural environment in an abstract form where the colors relate to my emotions and feelings. Painting is a medium I use to express my emotions, and as a tool I use to capture ideas and bring happiness for all ages. Painting is the way I perceive the world.

“Heaven”

2. Why art?
I have worked for over 25 years in executive firms. Now that I am retired I have found my true calling. I want to create art and bring happiness to others, and change the world.

3. What is your earliest memory of wanting to be an artist?
I grew up watching my father, he was a great designer. My mother a great craftswoman. They were both a big influence on my creativity. Ever since I was a young girl I had big aspirations for myself, and from my parents. My favorite things to paint were landscapes and seascapes. I remember those first paintings had a lot of brilliant colors. Pablo Picasso once wrote “Every child is an artist.” The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.

“Evocative”

4. What are your favorite subject(s) and media(s)?
I work with different types of mediums including oil, acrylic, ink, pastels and texture. But for now I have been enjoying working with acrylic and textures on canvas doing abstract art and some traditional art.

“Primavera”

5. How do you work and approach your subject?
I love to travel, I am inspired by my travels and I grew up in different cultures, Portugal, Venezuela, now being here in the United States for 14 years. I have learned to appreciate the colors and designs in this environment. I have seen colors everywhere from mountain, sea, and deserts. Much of my inspiration comes from nature and its plethora of colors and beauty.

6. What are your favorite art work(s), artist(s)?
There are so many artists that I respect and admire. Being an artist myself I can appreciate all types of artwork. I do not have anyone specific in mind, but my major influence was my father who I loved and admired.

“Energy”

7. What are the best responses you have had to your work?
My son Leonardo surprised me one evening. He got a tattoo of one of my paintings on his arm. I am so happy for the way he has supported my art. That was a great surprise for me. He is the one who has encourage me to share my artwork with the world and social media.

 
8. What do you like about your work?
The connection I have with my feelings and my emotions at the time. I do not think about what I am going to paint, I just do it. This reflects on my work and makes it unpredictable at times.

“Radiance”

9. What advice would you give to other artists?
You need to believe in yourself. Paolo Coelho once wrote: “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”
It is never is too late to create something interesting in your life. We all have immeasurable capacity to reinvent our lives, you just have to believe.
Art is the universal language it doesn’t matter what your race, color, religion, or sexual orientation is.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years?
Enjoying, creating, and sharing my art with the world. Spending time with my family and my lovely grandson Daniel.

Leonor Braga

LINKS —

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/leonorbragart
Website:  https://www.facebook.com/leonorbragart
ETSY:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/Leonorbragart
Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/leonorbragart/
Instagram:  https://instagram.com/LeonorBragaArt