A: I work primarily in oils and the answer is quite simple, actually. My grandfather was a San Francisco Impressionist artist so I grew up surrounded by beautiful oil paintings set in ornate handmade frames. We had a steady rotation of his paintings in our home which consisted of marina views, flower and fruit still lifes, and rolling hills dotted with cows He had a saltillo-tiled studio (which he built himself) where the aroma of oil paint and lacquer always captivated me. Next to his wooden easel sat a couch and a table (he also built himself) and next to that stood a bookshelf full of work by the masters. There was just no other option other than oil on canvas On the practical side, I appreciate how oils can be worked and I love the range oils provide. I also watercolor as well (which my Grandfather also did too) I enjoy the whimsical nature of watercolors which are a welcome reprieve from the saturated/opaque world of oils.
Q: What upcoming projects or events are youworkingon?
A: Currently, I am working on illustrating books I love to write and to bring words to life. I really enjoy bringing a new vision to an older work. I illustrated the epic masterpiece The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran and I just released the children's book The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. I am also working on creating smaller paintings. Most of my work is quite large, so I am looking forward to the challenge to make small art I am also exploring new techniques of painting.
Q: Art often reflects the artist's emotions and experiences. Can you describe a specific piece of your art that embodies a particularly powerful emotionormomentinyourlife?
A: I have always painted with bright colors. And the more experience I gained, the brighter the colors became. This was in stark contrast to how I felt In my past, I struggled with poor sleep and depression, so I chose to surround myself with positive, powerful artwork We often only look at the food we put in our bodies, when we should really be looking at what we read, what we watch, what we listen to, and what we look at everyday. And of even more importance, is the quality of all of that It's not food, it's good food; it's not what we read, it's reading prose that provoke and transform; it's not what we listen to, it's what we empower ourselves with. The same for the walls of your house. What story is the artwork telling? What's the theme? I believe what you surround yourself with dictates with certainty what you will experience. So, I always chose to express myself in the most positive way I could I hope that when one of my paintings is hung on your wall it will also inspire and uplift you as it does for me
Q: What themes or ideas are you currently exploring in your work, and how do you hope to make an impact with yourart?
A: I love and appreciate craftsmanship. The idea that someone took years and decades to perfect something that I am seeing or experiencing really resonates with me. So, in that vein, I am always on the mission to keep honing my craft In terms of themes or ideas, I appreciate simplicity as it is generally difficult to do simple. When something is simple, there isn't much to hide behind In the age of so much information and agendas, I believe the ethos of Impressionism has never been more appealing Art for art's sake is so satisfying (to me) I hope my artwork is received and appreciated in the same way that I view it. I want a different perspective of something as common as a flower and I want it to add movement to a space. In my opinion, when a painting is hung on the wall, it should bring warmth and joy and it should capture your attention in a positive way
Q:Canyoudescribeyourartisticprocess?
A: Art and creativity are so fickle by nature, so when it's flowing, I am usually working as much as possible. I tend to produce work in a "collection" type of offering as well. Lately, I find myself inspired by some Texas nature, so the recent paintings reflect the white-tailed deer, the ubiquitous longhorn, sunflowers, etc. I am most drawn to the interplay of color and how nature never misses. My process is probably not unlike other artists; I am bombarded with ideas and I question myself repeatedly throughout the creation of the artwork I am my own harshest critic and many times, I find the actual literal painting arduous and irritating, thinking I could (and should) do better. But, in the end, the product is usually worth it and somehow I worked through "something." Art is wonderful for "working through" things
Night Cactus No 1 – Timothy Watters – 48″ x 36″ – Oil on Canvas
Customer Testimonials
This happy couple visited the San Antonio Artists Collective last weekend with no plans to purchase art but something magical happened! They were captivated by the live painting of The Peacock by Jose Antonio Ayala, and before they knew it, they fell in love with the vibrant colors and energy of this stunning piece The Peacock flew straight into their hearts and their home It’s always amazing to witness such spontaneous moments of connection between art and art lovers!
Come visit us and see what might inspire you maybe you’ll be the next to take home an unexpected treasure!
We understand the importance of convenience and affordability when it comes to purchasing beautiful paintings That'swhywe'reproudtooffer free delivery for the majority of our paintings within the continental USA. Whether you ' re based in New York City or San Francisco, you can have your new painting delivered straight to your door without any additional costs This means you can browse our collection of stunning works from the comfort of your own home and have them delivered to youwithease
Our free delivery service is just one of the many ways we strive to make art accessible to everyone So why wait? Browse our collection today and find yournextmasterpiece
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To use Affirm, simply select it as your payment option at checkout and follow the prompts to complete your purchase. If you are eligible, you can choose a payment plan that fits your budget and pay off your purchase over time. This is just one of the ways we strive to make art accessible and affordable forourcustomers
North Star Mall, Suite 608
With two gallery locations in San Antonio, shoppers now have more opportunities to explore a wider selection of local art, conveniently located at The Shops at La Cantera and North Star Mall Each gallery offers a unique collection of artwork, giving visitors the chance to discover new artists and styles in both locations This expanded presence allows for easier access to San Antonio’s diverse art scene, whether you're shopping for a personal collection or looking for a perfect gift With two galleries, you can enjoy a richer, more flexible shopping experience across the city.
15900 La Cantera Pkwy, Suite 3370
San Antonio, TX 78256
(located between Omega & Rolex)
Monday to Thursday 11 AM - 7 PM
Friday & Saturday 11 AM - 9 PM
Sunday 12 PM - 6 PM
Tel: 726-234-8214
7400 San Pedro, Suite 608
San Antonio, TX 78216
(located outside Saks Fifth Ave)
Monday to Thursday 11 AM - 8 PM
Friday & Saturday 11 AM - 9 PM
Sunday 12 PM - 6 PM
Tel: 210-641-5763
Take advantage of the vibrant live painting sessions at the San Antonio Artists Collective at The Shops at La Cantera. Visit us on weekends to witness artists Robert Garza or Jose Ayala in action as they bring their masterpieces to life. It's a unique opportunity to ask questions, engage in conversations, and even arrange a custom painting consultation. Plus, locals can enjoy the added benefit of free delivery, personally handled by the artist who created their piece, making the experience even more special Immerse yourself in the creativity and talentofSanAntonio'sfinestartists!
TheThreatAIArtPosestoLocal ArtistsandHowtoTell the DifferenceBetweenReal andAIArt
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in the art world has sparked both excitement and concern. For local artists who rely on their creativity and craftsmanship, AI-generated art is a serious challenge As AI gets better at mimicking different artistic styles, the value of real, human-made art is being put at risk It's important to understand the impact AI art has on local artists and to learn how to tell the difference between AI-generated and authentic art, so we can protect the true essence of the artistic community
Local artists infuse their work with emotional depth, drawing from their own experiences, struggles, and passions. AI, on the other hand, is built on algorithms and data, and lacks the emotional connection that drives human creativity While AI art can look impressive, it often misses that personal touch, the emotional resonance that gives true art its soul
Another big issue is the sheer volume of AI-generated art flooding the market As the technology gets better, it’s pumping out an endless stream of artwork, filling online platforms and galleries This can make it harder for local artists to get noticed, as AI pieces start to overshadow the more traditional forms of art In a world where AI art might become the next big trend, the opportunities for local artists to showcase and sell their work could shrink.
For art lovers and collectors, being able to spot the difference between AI-generated and genuine art is becoming more important One way to tell is by looking at the originality of the piece. AI tends to create polished, uniform designs, whereas human-made art often has imperfections, variations, and unique quirks that reflect the artist's personality and thought process These subtle details often reveal the human touch behind the work
Another key difference is emotional depth Human art usually carries a story or a message that connects with viewers on a deeper level. AI-generated art, while visually appealing, can sometimes feel flat or lack real intention When you look at a piece, ask yourself if it stirs any genuine emotions or if it feels more like a technically impressive, but somewhat soulless, creation
Provenance knowing the history of the artwork can also help Local artists often sign their work or provide a certificate of authenticity, so buyers can trace the piece back to the creator This is especially true for physical art, where you can see brushstrokes, textures, and other tangible signs of the artist’s hand at work AI art, on the other hand, might lack this history, and often only comes with a digital signature, if that
As AI art continues to gain momentum, it’s more important than ever to support local artists Human-made art carries a richness of personal expression and creativity that AI simply can’t replicate By choosing to invest in real, handcrafted art, you ’ re helping to preserve the unique voices of local artists and their contributions to culture in an increasingly automated world
When it comes to decorating a room, many people tend to stick to one particular style of art that they feel comfortable with, but when you go outside your comfort zone, you might be pleasantly surprised with the results With the help of our virtual tools, it's easy to experiment with different styles without making any permanent changes. So don't be afraid to try something new and see how it can transform your living space!
