Here’s a Q & A with Gonzalo Cid

Why do you make art?
I paint because of me and for me. I paint because I need it—art is the food for my soul.

How long have you been painting?
I started drawing and painting when I was very young, but I stopped during high school. I picked it up again almost 20 years ago.

Did you have formal art training?
No, I haven’t.

Are you a working artist or a hobbyist?
I make my living through my art—teaching and selling my work.

Who and/or what do you look to for inspiration?
Everything around me can be a source of inspiration: streets, nature, fields, plants, houses, people, a book, a TV show, a magazine. Music is also a strong source of inspiration.

What kind of music do you listen to while painting?
It depends on my mood. I go from classical music to Limp Bizkit!

Have you had a mentor?
Yes, there was someone who introduced me to the world of watercolor—Jorge Royan, an architect, photographer, and urban sketcher from Buenos Aires. Several years ago, he told me, “Once you try watercolor, you’ll never let it go.” And here I am.

Do you paint every day?
Yes! (But we know that’s not always true—LOL)

Do you paint one piece at a time or work on several at once?
It depends. Sometimes I work on two or three pieces at the same time, but usually I paint one and then start another.

Do you create a concept piece first?
For some works, yes. I do several small studies to plan composition and tonal values, look for references in my own photos, do small sketches—and then create the final piece.

Do you prefer painting in the studio or plein air?
Both. Plein air gives me the chance to experience the place—its sounds, smells, views—and of course, to paint it. Though it’s not always easy!
Studio work offers a more controlled environment, so it’s easier to paint.
But I enjoy both.

How many core colors do you use?
A few years ago, I worked with a very limited palette. Since then, I’ve expanded my color choices, but I usually use no more than five tones in a single painting.

Tubes, pans, or sticks?
Tubes and sticks.

Do you use masking fluid?
No. I like the adrenaline of leaving white spaces using just my brush.

When do you know a piece is finished?
I ask myself this question every single day. I use this one to help me decide: “Will what I’m about to add make the painting better?” If yes, I go ahead. If not, the work is finished.

Join us online each week via Zoom or Facebook for an Up Close and Personal Conversation with John Cogley (Daniel Smith Owner and CEO) along with guest artists from around the world. On Thursdays (2:00pm Pacific), John and some of our Brand Ambassadors highlight a group of colors and answer your questions. On Fridays (10:30am Pacific), a guest artist shares a demo with their favorite tips and techniques. Click here for the upcoming week’s Zoom links.

If you prefer, you can visit our Facebook page at showtime to watch live. Replays can be watched on Facebook or YouTube.