THOMAS MARQUEZ
Thomas, or Tom, is a traditional fine artist who is constantly inspired by the human form, by the human heart, and by many other emotions and sensitivities surrounding humanity.
This journey of love and passion began as a child. Drawing filled in both idle and not so idle times. Before middle school, young Thomas was showing pieces alongside artists many years his elder. Thomas entered college not as an art major, but to pursue a degree in architecture. That changed to business administration within a few months.
Though art took a backseat to a "normal" way of life for over a decade to this point, it was during this period that Thomas uncovered the likes of and the masterful works of Rembrandt, Cezanne, Da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Monet, Caravaggio, Sargent and nearly all the 19th century American and European greats. From there, aspirations were born and he began taking on side work I commissions in portraiture and figurative.
The passionate and sensual works of Alphonse Mucha, pinup virtuosos Alberto Vargas, Hajime Sorayama, Dennis Mukai, and Olivia De Berardinis became influences in the 1990's. A four-year stint as a traditional graphic designer and art director under the tutelage of Bertrand R. Trottier, Jr., a disciple of Frank Lloyd Wright, provided the only formal training on art. All else, for the most part, is self taught.
The opening of his downtown Riverside studio and full time dedication has rewarded this journey of love and passion with an excelerated mission and influential collaborations. The works of current masters Richard Schmidt, David Palumbo, Aaron Westerberg, Malcolm Liepke, Jeremy Mann, and an array of others are now added influences. Painting works in oil and drawings in various charcoals are Thomas' preferred and current mediums. Thomas and his wife Edna reside in Riverside, California.
THE INTERVIEW
1. When did your interest in art begin and what was it that first inspired you to pursue art?
6 years old, 1st grade. A classmate was good at drawing dinosaurs and always had audience around him. I thought to myself "hey, let me try that." I did, and got an audience, too.
2 Have you taken any art classes/programs or had any special training?
I had the normal/general art classes through high school. There was a point in middle school where the teacher asked me to take over the class. I didn't go to any art school after high school graduation. I didn't have that kind of support to pursue as a career per se. Training in design and graphics came later when I worked as a traditional graphic designer and art director for an independent advertising firm. Owner/director Bert Trottier took me under his wing. My feel for composition and design come from that period.
3. Is there a specific goal or motivation that drives your passion to excel with your creative skills?
Art is life. Every brush stroke, every pencil or charcoal mark has a sound. Therefore a painting and or drawing is the voice of a journey, my journey.
4. When creating a piece is there a specific message/ feeling you wish to convey?
A well respected peer has said to me in more than one occasion that all my pieces have soul. That's a human feeling that encompasses the very real feelings of hope, love, anger and fear. I wish to continue to communicate that piece after piece.
5. Is there a specific formula you follow when creating a piece, if so what in your opinion is the most difficult step and why?
I will have to say I have no specific formula. I study, observe, read, listen to others, and will try something a little different with every piece in hopes the results are beneficial. My difficulty is in returning to a phase in a painting habitually when I had all intentions not to.
6. Do you have a favorite artist/ art style, if so what is it that draws you to that individual or style?
At the moment, I have two, Malcolm Liepke for his beautiful wet and thick texture, and Jeremy Mann, also for that thick wet look in his cityscapes and his brush strokes in his figurative work.
7. Have you ever stepped out of your comfort zone and discovered a whole new genre of art? If so, how did it turn out?
I wouldn't call it a comfort zone because I do find every piece a challenge/struggle. My "comfort zone" would be considering sticking to one technique alone and not discovering what it is that pushes me, affords me to be a better painter.
8. How has being an artist influenced your life?
It's inseparable. Challenges, struggles, victories, and realizations are parallels.
9. Is there any advice you’d like to give to anyone interested in pursuing art?
Bring it!! If is truly a passion, give it all you've got!!
10. Where can one go to view more of your work and follow your progress?
Like Thomas V. Marquez Art on Facebook, also friend request Thomas Marquez on Facebook, and follow TVMarquez_Art on Instagram.
My studio is located at 3485 University Avenue, Riverside, CA 92501.
Call or text me at 951-201-9253.
