Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Beltran.
Patricia, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born and raised in Minas Gerais, Brazil where I began my career as an artist.
I felt my passion for art when I was still a child and always had the support from my parents; Marta E. Moura Amaral and Eustáquio Teofilo do Amaral. I first started with fabric painting and later moved onto oil and acrylic painting on canvas. After years of experimenting with different techniques, I define my bold style through the use of palette knives with which I paint untamed visions. It gives me freedom and allows me to see beyond the details and focus on shapes, color, and values.
I used to walk home from my art classes with my artwork on hand. My neighbors loved some of the pieces and became interested in learning how to paint. It is then that I started teaching private classes to my neighbors. I was still a student, and I remember questioning myself sometimes as I was only 15 years old. I knew I had much more to learn, but it became clear to me that I had a talent for teaching. With the help of my dad, I turned our garage into my own personal art studio. I was able to share my skills and my love for art with several students of all ages. One of my most rewarding moments was when I was invited to lead an art seminar to mentor schoolteachers in my community on how to teach art to children.
Upon graduating high school, I pondered on my future and a career in art. Upon understanding and realizing the challenges and hardship most artists face, I found out that in the field of architecture, I would be able to incorporate my creativity and art skills. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Architecture in 2004 while also obtaining several fine arts certifications during my studies. I spent some time exploring different specialties within architecture and decided to focus my career in interior design. Interior design allowed me to combine my affinity for painting with my design skills.
In 2005, I decided to follow my heart and share my life with Hector, my beloved husband. It meant moving to the US and starting a new life. Being in the US gave me an opportunity to travel and visit many beautiful and colorful places all, which have inspired me and are projected on my artwork.
I lead an interior design team for six years in Dallas, Texas garnering awards for innovation, creativity in material and color selection, and suitability. Nevertheless, even with busy work schedules, I continued painting and expressing myself through my art.
In 2008, I became the mom of a beautiful baby boy. A few years later, my son was diagnosed with Autism. Through my son, I have learned to see my life as if it were an art piece; I now look at life from different angles, yet not really looking for perfection. I decided to redirect my life to attend to my son and his needs and at the same time, to focus on my art carrier. It is then in 2012 when I decided to launch my art business Café e Art.
In 2013, we moved to south Florida to be closer to family and give my son the opportunity of being surrounded by cousins, uncles, and aunts as we had in our childhoods.
Currently, I reside in Weston, Florida where I have established Café e Art, LLC. Here I have established my office and art studio. With Café e Art, I enjoy the best of both worlds – painting for myself and accepting commissions from others. I have residential and commercial clients in the US and overseas, and we also offer workshops for adults and children.
I actively volunteer and participate in art events, seminars and art exhibitions in the US as well as in Brazil, and Peru.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
As an artist, it has never been easy to focus on my goals and following my dreams especially when you hear from other people that it is extremely hard to sustain a living through art.
I have always thought that no matter how tough the road gets taking it to step by step, you will always get you to where you want to be. My road has had its fair share of bumps along the way, but I keep on chasing my dreams leaving all bumps behind.
Please tell us about Cafe e Art.
Café e Art was created to bring people together through art. My idea was to give my students especially those who work hard for a living an opportunity to relax, catch their breath and enjoy themselves in a place where anyone can let their imagination free and free of responsibilities for few hours. Café e Art brings art to you. Our services include painting parties, art events, group art lessons, and art workshops for adults and children. We commission artwork for residential and commercial clients internationally.
What do you do?
One of my missions and hallmark is helping clients envision living with art in a meaningful way, that is, to enable them to enjoy each piece of art for something that has both personal meaning for them and that is intrinsic to their surroundings.
As an art educator, I share my experience and my passion for art with my students and help them envision their own artistic style and their uniqueness.
What do you specialize in?
I have specialized in art and design. I see a space as an empty canvas ready to fulfill with creativity and harmony.
What are you known for?
My unique palette knife style. I have a passion for art and design, love teaching and most important I respect and value everyone’s opinion and criticism.
What are you most proud as a company?
As a company, we listen to our clients and our students. We treat everyone with respect no matter what background and experience. We take comments and suggestions very seriously striving to be the best.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Art has taught me how to appreciate the simplest things around me and how to see the world with a different mindset. Through art, I have had a chance to meet many incredible people from many walks of life. Also, I have been able to see the beauty of colors, and the power of their values. It comes across clearly when you see a smile on someone’s face when they look at one’s colorful paintings and they see happiness through vivid colors. I cannot imagine doing anything differently.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cafe-e-art.com
- Phone: 214-232-4172
- Email: patricia.beltran@cafe-e-art.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patriciambeltran/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cafeeart.llc/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/cafeeart
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cafe-e-art-weston?osq=cafe+e+art
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/pbeltranart/
Image Credit:
Hector Beltran
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