Fran Rosado Díaz

Fran Rosado Díaz, a native of Bollullos par del Condado (Huelva) in Spain is a contemporary figurative painter. He graduated in Graphic Design at the School of Art and Design of Valencia and after studying at the School of Art of Seville, he worked in different Graphic Design studios and in an advertising agency as Art Director. In 2016, he voluntarily left his job to dedicate himself exclusively to painting. His artistic training timidly approached the world of Fine Arts, so he had to get to know this new facet almost from scratch. His first two years were about experimentation and knowledge of media and materials.

However, in the first year, his work was selected in a National Painting Competition. In 2017, one of his pieces was selected for the First International Contemporary Art Fair in Malaga. The following year, a Parisian collector became interested in his work and during the following years, the pieces he painted ended up in different private collections in Europe and other international countries. In 2021 he holds a group exhibition at the Azur Gallery in Madrid ‘Modern Archetypes’.

2022 was a year in which he carried out different collaborations and exhibitions such as the ‘Exhibition of seven graphic artists from Huelva’. In 2023, the Barsky Gallery (New Jersey) acquired some of his pieces for its exhibition ‘Bring home the WOW’. For him 2024 is being in a stage of introspection, stopping and reflecting on everything that has happened. Based on new experiences and studies with his painting, he wants to delve deeper into it, remove the noise and focus on ‘telling stories through the canvas.’ Immersed in this new stage, he hopes to take his painting to a new level.

What’s your artistic background?

I didn’t study Fine Arts as such.The closest i studied in principle were the Art Baccalaureate subjects. I argued with my drawing teacher because I hated charcoal.

– For God’s sake, give me a pencil, this just stains everything! –

I still remember her seeing my frustrated face, with those big eyes and infinite patience, erasing all my failures with a cloth; Her name was Pepa Pinto (every time I go to get to work on any artistic task I have her in mind). Subsequently, I completed a Higher Degree in Advertising Graphics at the Seville Art School and after that, I graduated in Graphic Design at the Valencia School of Art and Design.

What’s integral to the work of an artist?

 Be honest with your work. Only then your passion manifests itself and the piece connects in a purer and deeper way with the viewer.

 What role does the artist have in society?

 I believe that art should elevate rather than please. Although that depends on each individual. I focus on elevating, although it is not easy.

 

What art do you most identify with?

I am interested in narrative painting and figuration. Although I have gone through a phase where i was into abstraction and loud, strident colors. I enjoy almost all types of artistic disciplines, but I am most interested in classical art.

What themes do you pursue?

I have been changing topics continuously due to experimentation and learning. Most of the pieces were copies of other painters with the objective of learning. Portraiture was always something natural and easy in my hand, but something was missing…I am interested in human beings, their history and their relationship with the world around them. To get to know him a little more, I delve into reading, especially the story. I started with the explorer archetype and hope to develop that idea further. In a way, I’m still searching. Later I was looking around Greek mythology but I came across Parmenides and his intense search for the truth. That changed my perspective on some subjects to paint. I continue studying ancient and almost magical texts from which to extract compositions that, more often than one might think, are almost like looking in a mirror, but with different clothes…I continue studying topics…,

What´s your favourite art work?

It’s almost impossible to choose ! But if I had to, I would opt for the ‘Punishment of Marsyas’ – Titian 1570-1576. Not only because of the composition and technique, but also because of the story that the piece and its execution embodies. I love Rubens and Tiepolo compositionally, I would have liked to chat with Velázquez and I find Rembrandt impressive. I think I have too many references to give prominence to a single artist. In any case, I also follow contemporary artists closely. From abstract expressionism to current urban art trends.

Describe a real-life situation that inspired you?

Every day something new inspires me. An event, a movie, a book, my partner, my family, a walk through nature, a feeling… That makes it difficult for me in one way or another to choose topics that have the connect I would like.

What jobs have you done other than being an artist?

My last job was as a Junior Art Director at an advertising agency. Previously I worked in the design department of a multinational in the flexography sector. And some more jobs in small design agencies. Outside of that, I worked every summer in construction to pay for my studies.

Why art?

If I’m honest, I have no idea. One afternoon I felt the need to go buy two canvases and some brushes (I didn’t know there were different sizes). That happened in 2016 and since then it is the only thing I dedicate myself to every day. It may seem like a joke, but that’s just how it happened. Maybe it’s something that always accompanied me even if I didn’t pay much attention to it. My parents say that when I was little I drew the characters I saw on TV with great skill, well, I did them the same way, but I don’t have much memory of that. I never paid attention to drawing or art, honestly.

What is an artistic outlook on life?

It depends on the artist. Each one will have a different vision of life, according to their knowledge and their way of facing it. For some, my artistic vision could be a fantastic biopic, for others, maybe not. Such a vision is like life itself. When a fly bothers me, I open a window for it. In her I see beauty, sophistication and fascination. Another person may simply crush it mercilessly and complain about its presence. The best thing about painting is that you can share a portion of your own vision on canvas. Although the pieces that were necessary to create that painting require multiple factors, among others, having an artistic vision of life.

What memorable responses have you had to your artwork?

The most memorable was seeing the reaction of a refrigerator technician. Once the service was over, I invited him to come into the study. More than flattery, I am interested in silence before a piece, and at first that man didn’t say anything. After a while contemplating my work, his eyes became moist and two tears fell. Then he asked: How much does it cost?

What food, drink, song inspired you?

My grandfather Paco was a cowboy and in his day, he exchanged a calf for a tray of sweets. In that aspect, I am just like him, sweets are my downfall. As for food, I don’t like vegetables at all and I only drink alcohol to toast the New Year. I like almost all types of musical genres, but for painting, I usually listen to classical music.

Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?

Depends. For some, artistic life is a party. They paint outdoors, make murals with colleagues, live demonstrations, give painting classes, attend events, exhibitions, fairs…In my case I am a loner by nature. I am incapable of painting something if I am not alone. My relatives always joke that I live in a cave. I really enjoy the studio, painting, testing, studying, experimenting, making mistakes, reading, looking…To break that cycle, I go for a walk or ride a bike. I prefer the bike because I can go further and I have a lot more fun with it. It’s not that I’m a monk or a bohemian painter who’s going to suddenly become Diogenes or take to drinking like Bukowski. I simply get exhausted by empty conversations about the weather, work, football or politics outside a bar over a beer. I didn’t find anything more boring than that.

What do you dislike about the art world?

The approach to what is communicated to the world about art. I think it´s too much associated with money, price records and things like that, and very little with reflection and other variables. A little more counterweight would be nice. I don’t like works full of easy tricks and elaborate speeches.

What do you dislike about your work?

Oil drying time. To combat my impatience, I work on several pieces at once. Although sometimes I spend more time looking at the canvas than a painting. I must improve in that aspect.

What do you like about your work?’

I do not like my job, I passionate about it.

Should art be funded?

My goal is to paint and not worry about whether they will help me or not. I believe that this task depends on me and not on third parties. Although I perfectly understand the social and economic impact of art.

What role does arts funding have?

Generate an economic cycle from which many families are supported. Curators, critics, media, museums, politicians, tourism, businesses…

What is your dream project?

The one I haven’t started yet.

Name three artists you’d like to be compared to.

Each painter has his own way of doing things and we always draw from each other. I try to steal a piece from each one, I mix it all in the same fabric and I don’t know what the final result will look like. That is what the observer or the critic will say. In that sense, I am like a cook, I like the plasticity that paint provides.

Favourite or most inspirational place ?

When I was a kid, there was a little gossip room that my grandmother Rosario had in the backyard. There was everything there, and I could spend hours looking at all kinds of screws, nuts and other strange items while the adults took a nap. A little further on, the kitchen cabinet. There condensed milk shone like the Holy Grail for me. A spoon and precise movements so as not to give myself away were enough to make me happy. I never really had a favorite place. When you are fully aware of where you are, any corner can become your favorite place. I adapt each space and make it my own, creating an environment prone to inspiration.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

He who does not walk when he is young, when he is old he trots.

Professionally, what’s your goal?

Keep painting and improving every day.

Future plans?

I have a hard time choosing what to eat tomorrow, imagine planning something for the future. For now, i plan to continue learning and improving.