In an age defined by acceleration, distraction, and endless noise, Fernando Velázquez paints as an act of resistance. His work is a meditation against the velocity of modern life – a gesture toward stillness, toward doubt, and toward the fragile humanity that persists beneath the technological storm. ‘Painting,’ he says, ‘is about life, death, love, fear, and the human condition. Everything else is noise.’
Velázquez’s art has often been described as ‘mental landscapes’ – spaces where the invisible becomes visible, where emotion manifests as form, and where questions linger unanswered. For him, painting is not about depiction but about presence: the moment of contact between the hand, the material and the unknown.
Are you self-taught, or did you undertake formal artistic training?
I am self-taught. My journey into the world of creativity began from a need to express and articulate emotion. My training is ongoing. I am constantly learning from everything and everyone, but most importantly from my own experience of the world.
How would you define your visual language or conceptual approach?
My paintings are abstract in nature, yet they echo the art of the past through their use of colour, light, and technique. I also hope my language responds to the world I live in. Art should be timeless though!
Can you describe your creative process from conception to completion?
An artist is always at work, in mind and spirit. When I sense that something might emerge in the studio, I prepare myself. I meditate and approach the canvas with an open mind. I close my eyes for a moment, breathe, and then move towards the wall where I paint. At that point, anything can happen. The result, however, is shaped by a long, often unconscious process in which I am continually involved.
Does narrative, symbolism, or storytelling play a role within your work?
No. Narrative or conscious storytelling implies a form of logic. My work is more spontaneous, rooted in the present moment of execution. There is no planning, each painting has its own individual life.
Which artists have most influenced you, historically or contemporarily, and why?
There are too many to mention. The great art of the past continues to resonate with me, becoming ever more relevant. From Rubens to Zao Wou-Ki, and through artists such as James Turrell, Olafur Eliasson, Delacroix, Soutine, Munch, and Berndnaut Smilde, each stimulate my imagination and deepen my understanding of my role as a painter today.
What personal, cultural, or environmental influences shape your practice?
My work stems from an emotional response. The world we live in is full of contradictions and profound challenges that are reshaping our understanding of beauty, a beauty I strive to capture in some way.
Where is your studio based, and how does the space inform your creativity?
My studio is in rural Dorset. I draw great inspiration from the countryside, the elements, the birds, and the changing seasons. I feel very fortunate to be able to retreat from the outside world into a quiet space, allowing for a private and direct encounter with the magic of painting.
Do you have any rituals or rhythms that anchor your studio practice?
Yes. Mental and spiritual preparation is essential for me. Painting requires focus, clarity, and physical energy. Each piece is an adventure.
What bodies of work or projects are you currently developing?
I recently presented a collection of paintings in my latest solo exhibition titled “Paintings for the New Era of Innocence,” a reflection on our time, technology, and the evolving role of the painter. I am now working on a new series, which will naturally take shape as I enter the next chapter of my development. The unknown is my way forward.
Where can collectors encounter or acquire your work?
I exhibit in a range of galleries and competitions. I am represented by Rise Art internationally, Sculpture by the Lakes in the Uk, and Altiba Gallery in Spain. Collectors can also contact me directly through my website, where I maintain an online shop.
For more information, visit: fernandovelazquez.co.uk and Instagram @fernandovelazquez.studio
