In view of the upcoming Caravaggio-themed oil painting workshop, starting Monday 29 of March 2021, by the Spanish artist Borja Perez Mielgo where all the secrets of the great baroque master’s incredible technique will be revealed… Organized by Geko Art Studio in Florence, today we publish an interview with our instructor in response to your many curiosities!

Now, sit back and enjoy your reading!

1) What prompted you to become an artist? 

This question is very interesting. Obviously there is a personal genesis behind every artist that leads him to choose this profession. In my case, and to simplify the answer, it would be the mix between the family environment and a series of crises in pre-adolescence. The ability to express myself with a medium such as drawing or painting was crucial.

2) What stimulates your creativity?

History, classical, Latin American and Spanish literature, as well as certain elements of psychology are certainly a source of inspiration. But philosophy is the strongest element. Knowing that I follow the tradition of transmitting an idea of text to an image is a challenge that really encourages me to paint and draw. This has been the case for millennia in the history of art.  

3) In your works do you think you recall the knowledge of the great masters of the past or rather does this value emerge? 

I sincerely hope to make it so. You have to know the materials very well for a painting to really resemble a Renaissance or Baroque painting. One can paint a picture in the style of Caravaggio or Rembrandt, but using cheap oils, cheap brushes, and a cheap cotton canvas will give a picture a “stamped” feel. Now, if one makes the same copy with linen canvas, with pigments created by himself and with high-quality brushes, it will show in the final work.

4) An artwork that you like in particular?

Difficult question. I will say that Drunken Silenus of Ribera, Les Demoiselles d´Avignon, Las Meninas are one of my favorite paintings, among others. But for answering, I will say Caravaggio’s “David with the head of Goliath”. 

5) What was your first step in the art world?

The first time I sold a painting I was 19 years old. It was in Malaga, at the University of Fine Arts. I did a free interpretation of a “Santa Catalina” and hung it in the cafeteria of the Faculty of Philosophy and Letters. The painting had an impact and shortly after a woman bought it. I don’t know where it is now! However, it was in 2019 when I had a private commission of great importance; The client was rebuilding a Victorian house in Edinburgh and wanted a baroque painting Style for the central room. I finished the 2×2 meters canvas after a year and from there I timidly entered a circle where there was capital for more comissions. Shortly after I came to Florence. 

6) What should a young artist never do?

Oh well! This is important! What a young student should never do is go to the University of Fine Arts. Unless the student want to learn photography, postmodern art, performance, photoshop or other forms of expression. In that case, University is an ideal place and very interesting things happend there. Nevertheless, for a young artist who simply wants to learn how to draw and paint properly, whatever his taste or interest is, should avoid the stablishment university. Preferably if possible join the more accessible Academy or Atelier near them! I know it sounds drastic but I’ve been through Uni and I know the Ateliers and Academies to a certain degree. That’s my advice. 

7) Future plans?

A lot of plans; ambitious and big plans! While I am training in Florence, I would like to dedicate myself to teaching classical art. Teaching is the key to always keep improving while also sharing your knowledge with those who seek it. At the same time, working with Galleries (such as Geko and its workshops) and much more, which I will not reveal! Let’s see what the future brings.

For those who still don’t know, the workshop lasts six days and will take place in the morning from 10 am to 1 pm and in the afternoon from 2 pm to 5 pm where all levels are welcome, and give you the opportunity to make a copy of a famous painting by Caravaggio used the typical colors of his palette, learning how to use the chiaroscuro technique.

We are waiting for you!

For all the information please write to info@gekoartstudio.com