Julio Blanco, Cuban / American Painter

The Backstory -Born in La Habana, Cuba in 1956. Migrated to New York City in 1960. During the 70's I played in Rock and Disco bands in the Miami / Ft. Lauderdale area. In the 80's and into the 90's I co-founded a multi-national, full service advertising agency; GS&B:Lintas with Al Garcia-Serra, who coined the phrase; It's not who you know it's Julio." in the early 90's and at the end of my tenure as President / Creative Director. In 1992 I moved in to my beautiful studio, OneManSho in the heart of Coral Gables, 166 Alhambra Circle. I have been showing my work from my private studios since then, in the Wynwood arts district and currently in Biscayne Park. The work shown here is for sale. To inquire about a piece contact me personally at mailto:julioblancoartist@gmail.com or call me at my studio in Miami, Florida. U.S.A. at (305) 812. 0588. Photo of the artist by Andres Wolff. Underdog.Inc/Linkedin

The Politics - I feel, I finally let loose, broke free of any pre-conceived notions I have about painting. Above all, I am interested in making my process a meditative or introspective experience. My paintings are simple things of beauty. They are un-encumbured by trends, relevancy, genre or any other overly intellectualized paradigms. Unlike contemporary art, my paintings are timeless and heartfelt works of art. What I see lives deep within me so I mine, my sub-conscious, my memories, experiences from past, present and future. These glimpses come to me through inspired strokes that come together as one expression.

The Process - Mine almost always begins by “warming” up to the canvas. I come at the canvas hard, physically, I apply wide, random strokes of transparent colors or hues that meld to create a deep underpainting or ground from where to launch my vision. The sheer physicality of it all puts mind and body in sync. The more intimate I become with the canvas the the heart of the composition begins to reveal itself so I can further develop it, or not. What I see lives deep in my sub-conscious. It could be a distant memory, a feeling, a memorable glimpse that is brought to the foreground through inspired strokes. These strokes and transparent layers come together to eventually create the expression that will last a lifetime or two.

The Materials - I use both pro and scholastic grade acrylic paints. Scholastic grade for their lower pigment and transparent qualities and use Pro Grade Golden brand for their high pigment values when I need to make a statement. I primarily use a medium weight canvas or paper north of 60lb weight. My brushes get a beating so I use a strong, synthetic bristle for maximum durability. They wear nicely and evolve into a delicate, fine tip, bristle structure. The brush that started its journey beating up the canvas now has matured in to a fine tip bristle, perfect for my more intricate designs. I have painted large scale paintings with one brush. Somehow I get attached to them.

The Paintings - Take them face value, for what they are, simple objects crafted with simple things. Canvas, paper, paint, ink, graphite. Also, did I mention they are for sale? My I paint and draw and sketch and doodle and tap (I play drums as well) all the time. Its annoying. This page is dedicated to my dear, friend and teacher, Pablo Carreño. e.p.d.