Today we’d like to introduce you to Manny A. Maldonado
Hi Manny A., thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Yeah, sure. I’m a self-taught artist who has been painting professionally since 2019. Art is my passion-I love creating with my hands, and painting brings me so much joy. Over the years, I’ve discovered my own unique artistic voice and developed a style that feels true to who I am. I specialize in painting landscapes, animals, and buildings,
I draw inspiration from the diverse experiences that have shaped my life. Born in Venezuela, raised in Utah, and currently residing in North Carolina, I have been fortunate to witness the beauty of different landscapes and cultures. These encounters have greatly influenced my artistic expression.
When I’m not in my studio, you can find me fly fishing, hiking, or camping with my wife and our two dogs, enjoying the great outdoors that often fuels my creativity.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s not easy. One of the hardest parts for me has been dealing with self-doubt and constantly feeling like others are better than me. It’s easy to compare yourself to more experienced or successful artists, but as the saying goes, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” It can steal your confidence and make you question if you’re good enough to make it.
Some days are filled with doubt—wondering if you’ll ever succeed or if your art stands out in such a competitive field. Rejections and slow progress can be discouraging, and making a living from your work often feels like an uphill battle.
That’s why it’s so important to have people in your corner. Surround yourself with friends, mentors, or fellow artists who believe in you, even on days when you don’t believe in yourself. Their support can help you push through the tough times and keep going.
The journey isn’t easy, but the struggle is part of what makes growth and success so rewarding. Focus on your own progress, trust your process, and don’t let comparisons hold you back.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I use acrylic paints to fuse together the styles of impressionism and sketching. My brush strokes are bold and loose while my sketching is free flowing and intricate. I use a vibrant palette and a playful interplay of colors to evoke the ever-changing mood of nature. Each brush stroke and each sketch captures a fleeting moment, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the dynamic beauty of the landscapes I paint.
My end goal is to create a visual experience that transports the viewer into the heart of these scenes.
What sets me apart as an artist is my freedom and refusal to conform. As an impressionist, I specialize in landscapes, animals, and buildings, but I always paint what I want, the way I want. I don’t stick to traditional rules or expectations—I use whatever colors feel right to me in the moment.
Even though my paintings are beautiful, there’s a sense of rebellion beneath the surface. I’m not afraid to break the rules and push boundaries because that’s where my creativity thrives. My art is a reflection of who I am: bold, unconventional, and unapologetically true.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I listen to music a lot, from Lord of The Rings Soundtrack-Classical-Jazz-Blues-Hip Hop-Rap-Alternative and so much more, my music taste is all over the place. Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of Beastie Boys and Coldplay.
Learn to paint podcast is really good. Sometimes I’ll mix in Criminal and Crime Junkies.
Books: Color First, Ink Later by Mike Yoshiaki Daikubara, Daily Painting by Carol Marine, Urban Watercolor Sketching by Felix Scheinberger, Urban Drawing by Phil Dean, The Landscapes Painters Workbook by Mitchell Albala.
Pricing:
- 48×60 inches =$5,000
- 48×48=$4,000
- 36×48=$3,000
- 36×36 inches =$2,200
- Acrylic Studies $30-$50, Original artwork $108-$5,000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mannyamaldonado.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artbym.a.m/
