THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

By Vince Meehan

Tierrasanta resident Frederic Bertheas, Freddy, is an artist who knows how to utilize both old-fashioned craftsmanship and modern technology to his advantage. You see, Freddy is an artist who creates magnificent designs that showcase all different styles and mediums. His works all possess an expert’s touch in color design as well as a basic earthy element of natural textures such as cloth, metal and wood. But Freddy’ designs are created digitally and printed digitally on everything from canvas, to cloth and recycled aluminum. And with his own Etsy store, Freddy’ art can be seen and bought throughout the U.S. and even the world.

Freddy has a background in graphic arts designing websites and logos. With this experience, he was able to see the potential of the Internet as a viable medium to create and sell art. Now he creates digital art and posts his designs on the web. Then, viewers can select an image and have it printed on everything from framed wall canvas to bed sheets or mouse pads. And the customers can pick from various sizes as well.

Freddy creates his art utilizing programs such as Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, then, sends the images to various digital printers across the U.S. who specialize in various mediums. He has a printer in Colorado who specializes in canvas, and one in Los Angeles who does aluminum or metal. The beauty is that none of these pieces exist until they are ordered, so he never has to be worried about inventory.

“Dragonflies are a huge source of inspiration for me,” Freddy revealed. “I am lucky to see some almost daily flying around in my backyard. I love that, for many cultures, they symbolize change, transformation, adaptability, and self-realization. What a fascinating insect! My image of a silver dragonfly on a stone background printed on framed canvas seems to be a crowd favorite and one of my best sellers. It is my first ever design – the one that got me in business!”

Freddy, a French native still has a thick accent after over 30 years of living in the U.S. after moving here in the late 80s. “I was born in France, and back in 1987 I went to San Diego to finish my studies. I found out it is a beautiful city, but then I had to go back to France. I went back to France and I was always, always, missing San Diego; so I finally moved back in 1990. And then I became a U.S. citizen in 1997, and I’ve been in San Diego ever since!”

Freddy designs are striking in the simplicity of some of the images such as a guitar or Buddha head, but it’s the blast of color and texture that sets his works apart. They are a perfect motif for a modernistic décor, but can be at home in a rustic wood interior as well. And the wide array of mediums from canvas to metal help create a catalog that has something for everyone. But like any true artist, Freddy’ follows his passions as inspiration such as Hindu imagery and music.

“I am also a bit of a guitar nut. I have been playing the instrument for the last 30 years or so and it is an absolute passion. Of course, it is also a source of inspiration for me. I love my picture of a Flamenco Guitar printed on a sheet of recycled aluminum. Whenever possible, I try to work with fabricators and printers that are not only USA based but also use recycled or up-cycled materials. It is good for Mother Earth! Another source of inspiration are Buddha and Ganesha – gosh, I love that Elephant Goddess –the remover of obstacles. Two of my favorites are a large Buddha Head on a denim blue background and a golden Ganesha on a lava red background. Both are printed on canvas and framed, I like to create large prints as it allows me to show as much detail as possible and the art will really pop and brighten your wall. But with my designs being digital, it is also very easy to resize and print them on a postcard size print if needed.”

It’s this versatility that keeps his Etsy store hopping with happy art lovers. And in addition to creating his original works, he can also create pieces by utilizing images sent to him by clients such as a pet or motorcycle. “I also create digital watercolor prints, usually based on pictures that a client will send me. Often it will be a picture of a dog – I am a huge animal lover – and have had the privilege to rescue countless “fur babies” over the last decades. For these types of prints I use a completely different set of techniques, tools, filters and effects and I try to digitally render the effect of watercolor prints.

I guess, like every artist I go through phases, periods and right now find myself more in a steampunk/industrial period. Steel with the right amount of rust, copper with the perfect patina, or even plain concrete appeal to me. I see a bare concrete wall and it becomes a canvas screaming for color, shadows, ombre, and depth. I let my imagination go wild and see what comes out. My two latest designs reflect that phase. One is a chunk of concrete with crazy gold, red and blue color. The other depicts a set of distressed, patinated riveted copper sheets. I wanted to give it a bit of that 1930’s sci-fi vibe.”

Other printed items customers can order are car mats, pillows, cell phone covers and even puzzles. At this point, Freddy generates half his income with his online sales, and relies on website consulting work for the other half. But he would definitely love to make art his main focus and is well on the way to doing so.

At a Glance: Frederic Bertheas

Etsy: https://artbyfreddyb.com

Also featured on eBay and Amazon ArtByFreddyB