Trendsetters

Eric Christensen's unique approach to painting with watercolors bends the traditional concept of how one expects a watercolor painting to look.The key to creating realism in his paintings is Christensen's innate ability to break his subjects down into their basic forms--such as color, texture, light and shadow--and to manipulate the brush to recreate them. Building layer upon layer of paint--in some cases up to 40--he is able to create near photo-like realism. Christensen's technique is without equal, and he is the only known artist capable of duplicating the effect of an oil painting using standard watercolor.

A native of Salt Lake City, UT, Christensen demonstrated many artistic talents as a youngster, but his extraordinary ability to paint realism developed greatly upon his move to California's Napa Valley. Here, he was delighted by the beauty and abundance around him, and he set out to capture what he saw in still life paintings using watercolors on "museum board." Christensen describes good composition as "a weighted balance between color, texture and light." For Christensen, the image has to make sense, and tell a story or create a mood.

While many of Christensen's admirers comment on his exquisite ability to paint glass or metal, it is the organics that he finds most challenging. He draws on all his ability to paint a piece of torn bread, a leaf or a flower petal, as it truly exists. The universal appeal of Christensen's artwork is becoming evident. It can be described as recognizable, contemporary hyper-realism that captures what most people love about life.

For more information, call 408-445-1314; visit www.ericchristensenart.com.

Cande Aguilar, Jr.

Cande Aguilar, Jr., was born in Brownsville, TX. A self-taught artist, he began his career as a musician at the age of 10 and recorded his first album by the age of 13. As a touring musician, he toured the United States and received numerous awards. The touring period allowed Aguilar to mature and gain inspiration from diverse cultures. In 1999 he produced his first oil painting, and has since accumulated an impressive body of work. In this short period, he has shown his passion and dedication for the arts. Aguilar's work is an example of the unique art form found in the Rio Grande Valley.

"As an artist, it's important for me to give the viewer the opportunity to become one with sensitivity. In time, this art will reveal a truth that conveys an existence that is unique to our world in the 21st century. In my art, the mixed media technique opens the doors of dimension, allowing me to abstract from the primitive, modern and contemporary state. I believe that music and art is an abstract through which we can channel ourselves, consciously or subconsciously, to experience the universe of life.

For more information, call 956-982-4220; e-mail cande_avant@hotmail.com; visit www.absolutearts.com/portfolios.>