Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Armendariz.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I was born and raised in Chicago in a graphic arts family, My mother specialized in textiles while my father was a photographer. As a kid I spent more time drawing and creating things than I did at sports. After majoring in art at Lane Tech, I attended the American Academy of Art where I studied under renowned watercolor instructor Irving Shapiro.
While still a student at the Academy, I began a twenty-two-year career in the corporate world in which I worked as an airbrush illustrator, graphic artist, color proofing technician and web designer. After leaving the corporate world I pursued my interests in watercolor painting and teaching.
I am a signature member of six national artistic societies and for ten years had served as the director of the Illinois Watercolor Society.
I have won awards in many local and national exhibitions. One of my recent accomplishments was securing an Artistic Project Grant from the Illinois Arts Council in 2014. I have exhibited my work in many group and solo shows. Currently, I live and teach from my studio in Palatine, Illinois. My work is currently represented by the Hilliard Gallery in Kansas City, Missouri.
Please tell us about your art.
Watercolor is the only media I paint with. I also like to paint in the transparent manner. My style is mostly representational, sometimes with a little narrative included. I suppose my work would fit in somewhere in between Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth.
I always enjoyed painting the urban landscape – with and without people. I’m concentrating more on portraits now but, I think they have the same feel as my architectural subjects. Most of my work these days is based on my travels. I like to put people right in the scene, as if they’re actually there during a casual visit.
Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Use both sides of the paper and reuse your tape. On a more serious note though, check out the grants that may be available to artists in your state. You may be surprised what you find is available. Don’t think that you may not be eligible. Chances are, you are. Also join up with a local art group/society. The opportunities are endless. Don’t work in a vacuum thinking that nobody else knows your troubles. We all go through this. Other likeminded folks are willing to help.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I feature a lot of my work on my website at armendarizart.com. I also have posted some of my demo videos on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/TonyArmendarizArt. More of my work and inspiration can be found on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/armendarizart/.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.armendarizart.com
- Email: tony@armendarizart.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armendarizart
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/c/TonyArmendarizArt
Image Credit:
All images are in private collections or are in the collection of the Artist.
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