The paintings of American artist Arnold Gonzales are steeped in a rich sense of family, culture and heritage. Varying in style and theme, Gonzales’ works are timeless, speaking to a diversity of traditions through smooth, lyrical, painterly forms. Despite his abundant thematic scope, the artist always approaches his canvases in the same manner, imbuing his subjects with a desire to connect and thus relate to his viewers. Smooth yet palpable textures compose calmly bucolic landscapes, while poetically hewn figures compose intimate portraits. No matter his subject or style, a grateful desire to communicate his own joy and pleasure in life to his viewers characterizes these works. “My paintings represent a blend of personal feelings and memories connected to my family and culture,” says Gonzales. “These emotions and cultural images inspire me to use materials and techniques that will evoke serenity and capture simplicity.”
Arnold Gonzales studied art and art history before becoming an art teacher and politician. He lives and works in Corpus Christi, Texas.