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A Colorful Chito In The Abstract
A Colorful Chito In The Abstract
By Joe Motheral
Standing outside Chito Padilla’s home/studio in Marshall suggests that the owner just might be an abstract artist. Once inside, it becomes obvious that appearances are not deceiving.
His paintings have often been on display at the Artists in Middleburg gallery (AIM). One of his works won the People’s Choice award at Art in the Burg in May, 2023.
“My paintings are an abstract version of the landscapes,” Padilla said. “When I start a painting I just paint based on what I feel and see. I don’t really know what it’s going to be….I like experimenting with textures. So you will see a lot of textures in my work.”
He produces those textures by “pushing and pulling the pain in layers," he added, also explaining that he also uses paper that he has painted on, then glues it to the surface of the painting either wood or canvas.
"Each painting has its own way of evolving," he said. "One may start with a few color areas on the canvas; another with a profusion of color."
Padilla began painting as a hobby in 2018 after retiring from a long career in international development.
“I had always wanted to be an artist,” he said, “but I didn’t have time. (After retiring) I took a couple of lessons so I could understand paint and the chemistry of it. But I’m mostly self-taught.”
His lessons involved sketching and painting, initially using oils. Now he mostly uses acrylics because it dries quickly.
Before retiring, his assignments in Africa, Asia and Central America allowed him to immerse himself in the rich cultures of the countries he visited. He believes that’s had a significant influence on his use of color and texture in his paintings.
“Painting in abstract is like being in a playground of pure imagination,” he said. “I love the adventure of exploring and creating something that did not exist before. Creating art is like doing magic. It can leave the viewer in wonderment and curious about its meaning."
His impressions on canvas project themselves without actually defining the subject. Another obvious aspect of his art is the vividness of color. The shapes in all of his paintings seem to project impressions that can be translated into reality, but also can be interpreted differently by different viewers.
Colors he applies relate indirectly to the seasons.
“The winter brings my mood into bright warm colors,” he said. “In the spring or summer my mood dictates cooler colors."
