I have gravitated more toward mixed media paintings in recent years, and have created work that stems both from imagination and from photos I have taken during my travels to far flung regions. Places of note are Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas, alleyways of Hong Kong, desert ruins, and even the machinery and networks of pipes on large ships.
Urban/industrial aesthetics are fascinating to me- rusty tools, machine parts, structural components. I’m equally intrigued by forms and textures found in nature- in and among objects such as animal skulls, roots, trees and rock formations. In the near future I plan to create a new series of work that focuses more extensively on natural forms.
I’ve seen the crossover, the differences, similarities, in both extremes- a human-made environment on one end of the spectrum, and a natural one on the other. With these two, there are many shared aspects in terms of patterns, repetition, line, layer, and texture.
But it's much more than just design elements that I see. There is growth and decay, utility and neglect, creation and consumption, mystery and the mundane.
I simply can’t help but explore both themes more as an artist... How?- Sometimes with a combination of photo collage techniques and acrylic paint. For other work, I have primarily used only acrylic paint and charcoal stick, usually on canvas. Most recently I have made use of watercolor on heavy paper, adding charcoal and pigment ink linework, creating interpretations of stone walls and rustic monastery architecture.
I’ve been creating art for most of my life and it has been important-even vital-for me to continue doing so. To produce visual art inspired from various settings and subjects - whether it be as a fulfilling hobby, a focused project, or something pursued on a professional level- has always been a part of who I am.
More about the artist
Peter Espinosa is a visual artist working primarily in acrylic and mixed media on canvas. He draws inspiration from both architectural design elements and unique natural subjects seen during his time living and travelling in various countries.
His pieces are often defined by their gritty, densely layered composition- created using acrylic paint, acrylic ink, charcoal, and most recently watercolor. Heavy texture, intense color combinations, and structural line work contrasted with softer fluidity are dominant in much of his art.
Peter’s photography and observations—particularly in Nepal, along Northern India mountain treks, and camping in Arizona red rock country—have all served as a significant influence on his current work. Select past works of his have been published in art and poetry magazines based in Shanghai and the United States.
For more photos of his work, including current work in progress and inspiration shots, please check out Espinosa Art on Instagram and Facebook.