We recently had the chance to connect with Gino Santa Maria and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Gino, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
When I paint, time seems to dissolve. No matter what the circumstances or what I am going through at the moment, painting transports me into a world with so much peace and excitement. When I find myself again, I discover with delight that the world I was immersed in, was capture with paint on the canvas.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Gino Santa Maria. I am a representational oil painter with a passion to explore the transformative effects of light and color in the world around us.
I was born in Peru, and since I was a child I had a strong inclination to paint. Although attended university to study engineering, when I moved to the United States in 1981, I pursued painting with all of my heart.
When I am not in my studio, I can be found painting on location en plein air, where I usually create small studies as reference for larger pieces.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I remember when I was 8 years old, when my father returned from a business trip, he bought me a set of temperas and brushes. He had seen my passion for painting and drawing, and purchased this set because he had seen the artist in my way before I knew it.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Never waste a moment in your life. Dream big and shoot for the stars.
I discovered plein air painting in 1917, and it transformed my painting to a degree that I never imagined. Although it has been transformative, I wish I had started earlier.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
We live in a fast pace world, where social media tells artists we have to show our work on a regular basis. The masters of old didn’t have a time table for artwork they were finishing. They worked for as long as necessary to see the work come to its successful conclusion. No mater how long it took. I cal these pieces “signature” paintings because they tell the world: “This is as good as I can do.”
In my work, I create plein air paintings that can be finished in one day, while at the same time I work on larger paintings that require weeks, and sometimes years to finish.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
For starters, I will never retire. Painting is not something I chose to do. It chose me. And because I paint the beauty of the world around me, I am working to leave a legacy that represents that. I view nature as a reflection of God’s character, and that is the reason I have a great connection to the great outdoors. And that is the essence I want to convey in my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ginosantamaria.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ginosantamariaart/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gino-santa-maria-a218aa63/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ginosart
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100027104396933
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ginosantamariaart51
Image Credits
Gino Santa Maria
